Update On Storm Damage: Residents Advised To Avoid Unnecessary Travel

The County of Rockland is urging residents to stay home if able as an overnight severe storm continues to cause significant damage to the community.

 Fire & Emergency Services Department reports 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:

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 Both Directions, north of South Tweed Boulevard in Orangetown.
Route 303 Both Directions, at NY 59, Clarkstown.
Route 202 Both Directions, at Lake Road all lanes closed.
Route 303 Both Directions, at Oak Tree Rd, Orangetown.

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 2,596 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.

According to the National Weather Service, steady rain falls – 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.

“As the storm continues, we encourage residents to report any issues with road conditions or any other storm-related concerns to proper authorities,” said County Executive Ed Day.“We extend our sincere appreciation to the public works staff, emergency responders, and road maintenance teams who always go above and beyond during challenging periods like these for the safety and wellbeing of our residents.”

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 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  and should report it:

• Report an Electric Service Problem | Orange & Rockland (oru.com) from any computer or web-based mobile device.
• O&R mobile app from your iPhone, iPad or Android device — download via Apple Store or Google Play.
• Text messaging by texting “OUT” to 69678 (myORU) or
• Call 1-877-434-4100.