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Heavy rain and thunderstorms are causing widespread flooding and dangerous travel conditions across Westchester County, prompting multiple parkway closures and a Flash Flood Warning from the National Weather Service.
Westchester County said in a news release that the NWS has elevated the Flood Watch through 2 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, along with a Flash Flood Warning, extended through 6:45 p.m. Tuesday. A Tornado Watch was also issued for Westchester through 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Forecasters expect heavy showers and thunderstorms to continue, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, increasing the risk of flash flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. According to the NWS, the heavy rains, along with gusty winds, are expected to continue into the evening in both Rockland and Westchester counties.
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Lewisboro supervisor warns of delays during evening commute
Town of Lewisboro Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said in a Facebook post that the New York State Department of Transportation reported a sinkhole on the northbound side of I-684.
Gonçalves said as of 3 p.m., officials expected two northbound lanes to be closed, with the closures beginning near Route 138. He said the restrictions were expected to remain in place through the evening rush.
The supervisor said he was awaiting additional updates from NYSDOT and was unsure whether the sinkhole was related to a previous sinkhole reported on July 9 and 10.
Gonçalves also warned residents that additional showers and possible thunderstorms could lead to localized flooding.
Flooding, road closures in Westchester County
Flooding on a variety of roadways, including an area of the Saw Mill River Parkway in Elmsford, was observed Tuesday afternoon.
Westchester County Police Department announced more expanded closures early Tuesday evening.
"Due to flooding, the Bronx River Parkway is being closed from the Sprain Brook Parkway split in Yonkers to the Westchester County Center in White Plains," officials said via the department's Facebook page. "There is also considerable flooding on the northbound BRP at Oak Street in Mount Vernon."
According to 511NY.org, the storm also forced closures on portions of the Taconic State Parkway and Bronx River Parkway due to flooding. Read on for more info.
Road closures in Westchester:
- Closure due to flooding on the Bronx River Parkway, in both directions at Exit 22 - NY 119 - Tarrytown Road; NY 100 - Central Avenue (White Plains) all lanes blocked at mile marker 15.6. This closure has been expanded to include the areas from the Sprain Brook Parkway split in Yonkers to the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
- Alternate lanes blocked on Route 9A southbound at Payn Street in Elmsford due to flooding.
- Closure due to flooding on the Taconic State Parkway, both directions between Lakeview Avenue and Commerce Street in Mount Pleasant; all lanes blocked at mile marker 1.6.
- Grasslands Road: The Town of Greenburgh Police Department posted to their Facebook that Grasslands Road is closed between Virginia Road and Legion Drive after a partial roadway collapsed.
- I-684: A sinkhole was reported on northbound I-684 north of Exit 6A (NY 22 to NY 138/Goldens Bridge) in Lewisboro. The left and center lanes of three northbound lanes are blocked. A southbound left lane is also reported blocked near mile marker 20.6.
Westchester urges motorists to avoid unnecessary travel
The County urges residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Drivers should never attempt to drive through flooded roadways or around barricades and should avoid flood-prone roads.
Residents are also encouraged to keep emergency weather alerts enabled and monitor changing conditions. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Contributing: lohud's Seth Harrison and Michael P. McKinney
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Flooding closes areas of Bronx River, Taconic State parkways, Route 9A
