News Flash

City Asks Residents & Businesses to Prepare for Impacts of Heavy Rain

Forecasts Predict 2 to 5 Inches of Rain & Potential Rainfall Rates of 1 to 2 Inches Per Hour

Heavy Rains May Cause Flooding in Low Lying Areas

Albany, NY – According to the National Weather Service, there is a high probability of heavy rains in the Capital Region beginning Saturday afternoon, August 21 through Monday evening, August 23. Based on initial estimates, the City of Albany could experience 2 to 5 inches of rain, with rainfall rates that may exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour. These forecasted heavy rains may cause flooding in low lying areas.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Monday morning for dozens of municipalities across the region, including the City of Albany.

The City’s Water Department crews are working to clear catch basins in flood prone areas to help mitigate localized flooding, and the Department of General Services is preparing crews to assist with clearing potential downed-tree removal and road closures should severe flooding occur.

The City of Albany is recommending that residents and businesses help prepare for the impacts of Hurricane Henri by:

• making sure catch basins are clear
• keeping belongings off basement floors and other areas prone to flooding
• clearing rain gutters and directing downspouts away from foundations
• being alert and avoiding high water on roadways
• staying clear of and reporting downed power lines and trees

Important Contacts During Severe Weather:

• In an emergency, call 911.

• To report flooding or sewer backups, call the Albany Water Department Dispatch at 518-434-5322

• To report power outages and downed power lines, and determine area repair schedules,call National Grid at 800-642-4272

• To report downed trees, call the City of Albany Department of General Services at518-434-CITY (2489)

• To receive text and/or email alerts from the City of Albany, please sign up for Nixle alerts at:http://www.albanyny.org/Government/Departments/PoliceDepartment/Nixle.aspx. 

• For real-time weather information, visit the National Weather Service.

Severe weather events can increase chances of localized flooding and sewage backups into your home. Help prevent sewage backups before they happen by installing a backwater valve. Learn how to apply for a $2,000 backwater valve reimbursement: https://www.albanyny.gov/Government/Departments/WaterAndWaterSupply/BackwaterValveGrant.aspx

Learn more about long-term infrastructure improvements to help prevent localized flooding in Albany: https://www.albanyny.gov/Government/Departments/WaterAndWaterSupply/floodmitigation.aspx

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