Torrential Rain & Flash Flooding Wreak Havoc in Putnam

The Town of Putnam Valley declared a state of emergency due to the heavy rain and significant flooding that closed many roads and bridges. Photo provided by the Town of Putnam Valley.

By Holly Crocco

Heavy rains last week caused flash flooding across the region, with the Town of Putnam Valley declaring a state of emergency July 29 due to numerous road and bridge closures, and other impacts from the torrential rainfall. The state of emergency was set to last 30 days, unless rescinded earlier by the town board.

Travel on Cimarron Road, Horton Hollow Road, Canopus Hollow Road, Tinker Hill Road, Reichert Street, and Camp Collins Road was restricted for five days, with all unnecessary travel prohibited.

A travel advisory was also issued in Cold Spring, with North Street temporarily closed, as well as the pedestrian tunnel/underpass downtown, and a manhole covering on Main Street being replaced. Sections of Route 9 and Route 9D were also closed at times.

According to the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services, a flash flood warning was issued July 28, with doppler radar indicating that between 1 and 2.5 inches of rain had fallen across the county, with rain expected to continue at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

The National Weather Service reported total rainfall of 3 to 5 inches in the lower Hudson Valley as of 5 p.m. July 28, with isolated totals greater than 7 inches. During peak rainfall, an inch of rain per hour was predicted, with isolated peak rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour. The highest risk of flooding was anticipated across New York City-metro areas, as well as the lower Hudson Valley.

At about 8:30 a.m. July 29, members of the North Highlands Fire Department responded to a Philipstown residence that had become surrounded by flooding and swift-moving water, where residents needed assistance evacuating the home.

The Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department Dive Team was called in, as well as the Philipstown Highway Department which brough a front-end loader, to safely reach the residence and assist in removing the family from the home.

Also responding to the scene were the Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Putnam Medic 1, Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corp., Putnam County Sheriff's Office, and New York State Police, among other agencies.

A New York State Swift Water Rescue team was also dispatched to the incident, but was canceled while on route after the residents were successfully removed from the home.

“The North Highlands Fire Department would like to thank all of the responding agencies and personnel who assisted during the incident,” said the department. “Their coordinated efforts helped ensure the residents were safely evacuated from the flooded property.”