Traffic and Storm Alert: Torrential Downpour Results in Flooding, Power Outages, Road and School Closures

Rockland Daily Staff 

Rockland County residents are urged to stay home if possible as the overnight severe storm continues to cause significant damage throughout Rockland.

Rockland's Fire and Emergency Services Department continues to report flooding and trees down on several roadways including the Palisades Interstate Parkway (PIP), near the Palisades Mall, along Route 59 by Pascack Road near the Nanuet/Spring Valley border, and Long Mountain Circle which has reports of multiple vehicles stuck in water. 

Road closures include: 

• Pascack Road Near Thruway Parkway Interchange.
• Route 303 in Congers between Lakeward Avenue & Scandia Road.
• PIP Southbound from Bear Mountain Circle to Exit 19. 
• PIP both directions at Exit 14.
• PIP at Exit 14 northbound to Long Mountain Circle.
• Route 9W in both directions, north of South Tweed Boulevard in Orangetown.
• Route 303 in both directions, at NY 59, Clarkstown.
• Route 202 in both directions, at Lake Road all lanes closed. 
• Route 303 Both Directions, at Oak Tree Road in Orangetown.
• Route 17 from Auntie Els through the turn around by Davis Sport Shop  Route 17 in front of Jessie's Bagels in Sloatsburg  Route 202   from Lake Road to Viola School  
• Willow Tree Road to Grandview Avenue to Route 306  
• Spook Rock Road from West Carlton to 202
• South Monsey Road to Saddle River Road

All residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay off the roadways for the next several hours. Those who need to travel must remain vigilant and adhere to any temporary signage or traffic instructions in place.

Currently, there are roughly 2,500 customers without power in Rockland County. Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) has mobilized its emergency response workforce to repair potential damage and restore possible power outages that could result from heavy rain and strong gusty winds that are predicted throughout the region now through Monday. Estimates on repair and service restoration are varied with the latest being 3:00 pm today.

According to the National Weather Service, steady rainfalls - heavy at times – are expected into Monday afternoon, which can lead to areas of flooding. The NWS also reports peak winds between 3 am and 9 am this morning, with gusts that may exceed 60 mph along the coast.

For safety’s sake, O&R warns the public not to touch or approach any downed wire. Assume it is energized and dangerous. Call O&R immediately toll-free at 1-877-434-4100. Depending on the situation, you may also consider calling your local police to divert traffic from the downed wire’s location until an O&R crew arrives.

Residents who experience a power outage should not assume that O&R knows about it and should report it:

Due to flooding and road closures, TOR has the following service changes: #59 & #92 buses are not serving Palisades Center and Nyack. All #91 buses are only serving scheduled stops between Spring Valley and Haverstraw. #92 buses are also not serving stops on Route 303. #93 buses are not serving Sloatsburg. Riders should expect delays. 

The storms may continue to cause flight delays today. Travelers are advised to check with their airline for flight status and can also monitor here for airport updates.

Some schools began the day with two-hour delays, including Nyack, while Suffern Central School District is closed due to flooding.

Town of Ramapo Supervisor Spechtadvises residents who need non-emergency help to call the hotline at 845 -250-8142 or the Supervisors office at 845-357-5100 during the hours of 9 am. to 5 p.m. with questions or concerns. For a true emergency, contact the local police department.