ALBANY, NY (October 10, 2025) — Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers Friday to prepare for a coastal storm forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding to downstate areas during Columbus Day weekend.
New One-Stop Website Launched – resilient.ny.gov – To Help Easily Connect New Yorkers to Resiliency and Mitigation Resources
The storm is expected to form off the Carolinas on Saturday and strengthen as it moves up the mid-Atlantic coast toward southern New England. Impacts could include wind gusts up to 60 mph, 1.5 to 3 inches of rain downstate and coastal flooding along New York City and Long Island shorelines.
“As this coastal storm approaches, I’m urging all New Yorkers to stay alert, watch the forecast closely, and take steps now to prepare,” Hochul said. “Conditions can change quickly, so please use caution if you need to travel and check on friends and neighbors who may need extra help. Staying vigilant and informed will help keep everyone safe through the weekend.”
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for Queens, Kings, Nassau and Suffolk counties from 12 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday, with gusts that could down trees and cause power outages. Strong winds are possible elsewhere in the state.
A Coastal Flood Watch covers southern Westchester County, New York City and Long Island from 8 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. Widespread coastal flooding is expected, with major flooding possible in Long Island’s south shore back bays and Great South Bay during Sunday’s high tides. Beach erosion is likely.
Rainfall forecasts call for 1.5 to 3 inches in the lower Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions, with minor flooding possible from poor drainage. The northern Mid-Hudson and southern Capital regions could see 1 to 1.5 inches, while the rest of the state expects an inch or less.
Hochul encouraged residents to monitor local forecasts, enable government emergency alerts on mobile phones and sign up for real-time weather texts by sending a county or borough name to 333111. Weather alerts are available at alerts.weather.gov.
In a related move, Hochul launched resilient.ny.gov, a new website serving as a one-stop resource for resiliency and mitigation tools. The site connects residents, businesses and municipalities with state funding, adaptation plans and the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan.
State agencies are mobilizing for the storm. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management is coordinating with local partners, with stockpiles ready for deployment. The State Watch Center is tracking impacts around the clock.
The Department of Transportation has more than 3,413 supervisors and operators available, with equipment including 1,477 large dump trucks, 332 large loaders, 98 chippers, 82 excavators, 33 water pumps and 31 bucket trucks. Crews are clearing drains and culverts in problem areas. Motorists can check 511 or 511ny.org for updates.
The Thruway Authority has 656 operators and supervisors ready, with 318 dump trucks, 64 loaders, 15 excavators, seven brush chippers and other gear. Alerts are posted via variable message signs and social media. The authority’s free mobile app offers live cameras and navigation, and TRANSalert emails provide traffic updates. Follow @ThruwayTraffic on X or visit thruway.ny.gov.
Utilities have about 6,970 workers statewide for damage assessment and repairs, with the Department of Public Service tracking efforts. To report outages, call Central Hudson at 800-527-2714, Con Edison at 800-752-6633, National Grid at 800-867-5222, NYSEG at 800-572-1131, O&R at 877-434-4100, PSEG-LI at 800-490-0075 or RG&E at 800-743-1701.
New York State Police are deploying extra patrols, with all four-wheel-drive vehicles, watercraft and specialty units staged. The Department of Environmental Conservation’s staff, including Forest Rangers, are monitoring forecasts and ready to deploy resources. Local officials are advised to clear debris from flood-prone areas; emergency authorizations are available for urgent work without permits if life, health or property is at risk. More on coastal erosion is at dec.ny.gov.
For hikers in the Adirondacks and Catskills, unpredictable weather could create hazards. Check adirondackbackcountry.info for trail updates, and call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS for ranger help or 911 in emergencies.
State parks personnel are on alert, with sandbags stockpiled and beaches cleared at oceanfront sites. Jones Beach reinforced a sand berm to protect its Central Mall and boardwalk. Swimming is closed for the season. Updates are at parks.ny.gov or via the NY State Parks Explorer app.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is inspecting drains in flood-prone areas and deploying specialists for elevators and escalators. Riders should check new.mta.info or sign up for alerts via the MTA or TrainTime apps.
The Port Authority is monitoring facilities and issuing alerts via email, social media and apps like RidePATH for PATH service updates.
Safety tips include stocking flashlights, batteries, radios, first aid kits, food, water, medicines and cash. For flash floods, avoid driving through water; two feet can float a car. During outages, unplug appliances to avoid overloads and close off unused rooms to stay warm.
More tips are at dhses.ny.gov/safety.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.