Date: December 23, 2020
Contact: Joe Coffey
Albany, NY – According to the National Weather Service, there is a high probability of heavy rains in the Capital Region beginning Thursday evening, December 24 through Friday afternoon, December 25, with the heaviest rains overnight. Based on initial estimates, the City of Albany could experience 1 to 3 inches of rain within 24 hours, along with wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour.
The forecasted rain will fall on a deep snowpack from last week’s historic snowstorm, leading to significant snow melt. Any snow melt combined with 1 to 3 inches of rain could cause localized flash flooding, especially in areas that are prone to flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Friday afternoon for dozens of municipalities across the region, including the City of Albany.
Over the past seven days, the City’s Department of General Services and New York State Department of Transportation have removed more than 87,000 cubic feet of snow from City streets, and Albany Water Department crews have been working to clear catch basins in flood prone areas to help mitigate localized flooding.
The City of Albany is recommending that residents and businesses prepare by:
- making sure catch basins are clear
- removing snow from around fire hydrants
- keeping belongings off basement floors and other areas prone to flooding
- clearing rain gutters and directing downspouts away from foundations
Important Contacts During Severe Weather:
- In an emergency, call 911.
- To report flooding or sewer backups, call Albany Water Department Dispatch at 518-434-5322
- To report power outages and determine area repair schedules, call National Grid at 800-642-4272
- To receive text and/or email alerts from the City of Albany, please sign up for Nixle alerts
- 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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