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Eastern New York and New England Face Widespread Flooding as Storm System Continues to Move

Sandego.net – Heavy rainfall continues to impact the Northeast region, with dangerous flooding conditions developing across multiple states.

Record-Breaking Rainfall Accumulates

A persistent weather system has brought unprecedented amounts of precipitation to the northeastern United States. Since Tuesday, the storm has delivered approximately 6.7 inches of rain to Albany International Airport, establishing a new record for the city’s most significant two-day rainfall event in its history.

Schodack, New York, has experienced the most extreme totals from this weather pattern, accumulating nearly 12 inches of precipitation. This remarkable amount represents more than double the typical monthly rainfall that the region normally receives throughout the entire month of July.

Flash flood warnings remain active across central Massachusetts and the Hudson Valley region, where several locations have already recorded rainfall totals exceeding 7 inches.

Emergency Declarations and Rescue Operations

Multiple counties throughout eastern New York have officially declared states of emergency as floodwaters continue to rise. State swiftwater rescue teams have been mobilized to assist with water rescues, with many operations conducted by boat according to state officials.

In Guilderland, New York, CNN affiliate WRGB captured dramatic footage showing vehicles trapped in rising floodwaters. The video revealed that several roads had been closed due to the severe flooding conditions. One individual appeared to carry a child from a stranded vehicle while assisting another person who was navigating through waist-deep water.

Firefighters in Chatham, New York, successfully rescued a United States Postal Service mail carrier after the delivery vehicle became immobilized in floodwater. Matt Murell, Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, informed CNN that nearly two dozen roads remain closed in the county, while local fire departments work tirelessly to pump water from flooded residential properties.

Travel Disruptions Across the Region

The severe weather has caused significant transportation disruptions throughout the Northeast. More than 200 flights have been canceled at the New York City area’s LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports on Wednesday, according to FlightAware data.

Boston Logan International Airport experienced approximately 60 cancellations by late afternoon, though hundreds of additional flights faced delays. Amtrak has suspended service between New York City and Albany due to “high water and debris on tracks from recent storms.”

Additional Rescue Operations

State rescue teams were deployed on Wednesday to assist with flooded homes in Coeymans, located north of Hudson. Colin Brennan, representing the New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, told CNN that responders helped evacuate two adults and two children from their homes in the area.

In Putnam County, responders utilized a front-end loader to navigate through floodwaters and assist a family in evacuating their residence. Photographs published by the local fire department showed the home nearly surrounded by floodwater that had risen to the bumpers of vehicles parked outside.

A day earlier in west-central Pennsylvania, crews from the Rescue Hose & Ladder Co. fire department rescued three people and two dogs from a residence in Coalport.

Storm Progression and Future Outlook

Pockets of heavy rain falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour will remain possible in parts of eastern New York and western New England, with conditions expected to persist into Wednesday evening. These areas continue to face the greatest risk of additional significant flooding.

Coastal New England, including Boston, will also experience bands of soaking downpours Wednesday evening, though storms should move quickly enough to prevent serious flooding impacts.

The storm will begin to weaken late Wednesday evening, and its rainfall will become more scattered and less intense overnight, significantly reducing flood risks. A Level 1 of 4 risk of isolated flooding rain is in place from Boston to coastal Maine on Thursday for lingering pockets of heavier rain.

The greatest flood danger through Wednesday night remains centered on parts of eastern New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut, where a Level 3 of 4 risk of flooding rain is currently in place.

CNN meteorologists Dakota Smith and Mary Gilbert, and CNN’s Amanda Jackson, Alea Motwane and Maria Aguilar Prieto contributed to this report.