Severe NY Thunderstorms Leave At Least 1 Dead and Several Missing

Severe storms led to unprecedented flooding throughout Rockland, Orange, and Putnam Counties Sunday night.  The storm, which dumped up to eight inches of rain on the area in a six-hour span, has left parts of the area devastated.  The intense rainfall led to road collapses, mudslides, and in at least one case, a house being completely swept away in flood waters.  Dozens had to be rescued from their cars as water rose in the roadways. 

State of Emergency Issued for New York Counties Following Storm

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Orange County, and Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus confirmed at least one person, a woman in her 30's has died because of the flooding. She was swept away by rapid waters as she sought higher ground with her dog, County Executive Steven Neuhaus said. The identity of the woman is unavailable at this time. Several other people remain missing, and Neuhaus estimates that Orange County alone has suffered tens-of-millions of dollars in damages from the storm. 

Read More: Footage of Massive Rain Storm That Devastated the Hudson Valley

County Executive Steve Neuhaus, speaking by phone from the village of Highland Falls along the Hudson River near West Point, called the scene “an absolute war zone” on Sunday night. Flooded roadways were preventing emergency rescue personnel from responding to calls in a timely fashion. He said that rescuers had found the remains of a young woman that evening. “It’s a tough situation — lots of people are trying to fight their way in to help us,” he said, adding that State Police, the Orange County sheriff’s office, and the state Department of Transportation were all on the scene or in transit.

Sunday's Severe Weather is Affecting Train Transportation in the Hudson Valley

The MTA is reporting that crews have been working throughout the night to remove debris left by severe storms in Northern Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties.  High water, trees, boulders and more have left sections of Metro-North's Hudson Line tracks north of Croton-Harmon impassable.  Hudson Line service is suspended between Tarrytown and Poughkeepsie.  Riders should consider traveling to Croton-Harmon station or take Harlem Line service at Southeast, Croton Falls and other stations along that line instead. Hudson Line tickets will be accepted on Harlem Line trains.  Also, Newburgh-Beacon Ferry service is not running today.  Check out up-to-the-minute information at the MTA website.