Thursday/Friday weather event #1

Good afternoon


Once again Ulster County is in the path of a significant rain event.

• Over the course of the past week alone many areas of Ulster County have received in excess of 6" of rain. We are starting with very wet ground conditions.
• We are in the 3-4" range for rainfall. Rain will being tomorrow morning.
• Heaviest rain will be Thursday into Thursday night. Rainfall rates may approach 1" per hour.
• All reservoirs are either full or already spilling. Note that this does not add to flooding, downstream residents simply don't receive the benefit of a void in the reservoirs that helps to mitigate downstream impacts.
• The following are current forecasts for main stem streams:

Lower Esopus - projected to approach "moderate" flood stage
Rondout - projected for "minor" to "moderate" flood stage
Upper Esopus - projections are only showing "action" stage no flooding - I don't believe this
Wallkill - projected to go to "moderate" flood stage

• We are already in a "flood watch" and there is a "moderate" risk of flash flooding - expect both of these to be upgraded.
• Only minor winds are expected, gusts should not exceed 30 MPH

Please check our web site for storm and flood tips: http://www.ulstercountyny.gov/emergencyservices/management/prep.html

Ulster County will be opening our EOC at a time TBD tomorrow. I will send out an update around 8 AM tomorrow. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to call.

Art