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Hurricane Debby finally moved out of the U.S. on Saturday after spending the better part of a week unleashing tornadoes, flooding, and damaging homes as it traveled up the East Coast, having first made landfall in Florida as a hurricane. On its last day over the U.S., Debby inundated south-central New York and north-central Pennsylvania with rain, prompting evacuations and rescues by helicopter. The post-tropical cyclone continued to drop rain on New England and southern Quebec, Canada, on Friday night, with conditions expected to improve by Saturday morning as the system moved northeast. Some of the worst flash flooding in New York occurred on Friday in villages and hamlets in a largely rural area south of the Finger Lakes.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide state of emergency on Friday as the remnants of Hurricane Debby unleashed heavy rain, powerful winds, and severe flooding across the Tri-State Area. The storm wreaked havoc on air travel, causing significant disruptions at major airports, including numerous flight cancellations and delays. As the state braced for further impact, emergency services mobilized to address the escalating threat of severe weather, including potential tornadoes and widespread power outages.

Emergency Declaration and Response:

Governor Hochul swiftly declared a statewide state of emergency as the remnants of Hurricane Debby swept through the Tri-State Area. The storm’s heavy rain, strong winds, and high risk of severe flooding caused significant disruptions, particularly in air travel. The governor’s office emphasized the growing threat of severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes in the eastern half of the state, necessitating an urgent and coordinated emergency response. The declaration followed a tornado warning in Orange County, which briefly alarmed residents, though the watch was lifted by 8 p.m. With the state remaining on high alert, Governor Hochul reinforced the need for vigilance as the storm’s remnants continued to pose significant risks.

Impact on New York City and Surrounding Areas:

In New York City, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reported over 150 incidents of downed trees by Friday afternoon, with Queens experiencing the most severe damage, including a massive tree falling on a house. As the storm advanced, the city’s suburbs and Long Island prepared for further disruptions. On Long Island, Town of Hempstead road crews were on standby, focusing on wind-related issues. Town Supervisor Don Clavin highlighted the importance of preparing for strong winds, which often cause flying debris and fallen branches. Meanwhile, PSEG Long Island, the region’s primary power provider, mobilized additional resources to address potential power outages.

Power Outages and Precautions:

Con Edison prepared for widespread power outages in the greater New York City area, particularly in regions with fully leafed trees that are more susceptible to being uprooted by strong winds. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus warned of the significant risk posed by saturated grounds combined with high winds, leading to downed limbs and trees. Con Edison urged residents to report downed wires immediately and to treat them as live and dangerous. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) also implemented comprehensive precautions to protect the city’s transit infrastructure. This included securing equipment, construction sites, and flood-prone subway stations, particularly in Washington Heights. In response to high winds, the MTA banned empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from its bridges, a measure expected to remain in place until Saturday morning.

The storm also caused significant disruptions in air travel, including multiple flight cancellations and delays across major airports:

• Philadelphia International Airport: 8 flights canceled, 10 delayed (affecting American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): 6 flights canceled, 56 delayed (affecting Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Icelandair, JetBlue Airways)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA): 3 flights canceled, 12 delayed
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): 3 flights canceled, 26 delayed

Public Safety Measures and National Guard Deployment:

New York City Mayor Eric Adams encouraged residents to rely on mass transit instead of driving during the storm, stressing the importance of avoiding flooded roads. The New York National Guard deployed at least 100 members to enhance the state’s emergency response capabilities. Additionally, Metro-North’s Harlem Line suspended service between Crestwood and White Plains due to downed trees, with weather-related delays reported between Goldens Bridge and Brewster.

Storm Disruptions and Aftermath:

The remnants of Debby caused significant delays at New York City’s major airports, with average delays of 30 to 60 minutes and hundreds of flights canceled. The Yankees postponed Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers, rescheduling it for a single-admission doubleheader on Saturday. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Ulster County, crossing the New York State Thruway near exit 18 in New Paltz. The tornado, with peak wind speeds of 76 mph, uprooted several trees and caused minor damage. Despite the earlier tornado warning in Orange County, no touchdowns occurred there. Throughout the Tri-State Area, gusty winds downed trees and utility lines, leading to power outages and hazardous conditions for commuters. The New York City Office of Emergency Management received over 360 reports of downed trees, with significant damage reported in the Bronx and Queens.

Calm Returns After the Storm:

As the storm exited the region, weather conditions began to improve significantly. However, high surf and rip current alerts remained in effect through Saturday, prompting caution for those heading to the beach. A mostly tranquil week was forecasted, providing much-needed relief after the storm’s impact. Residents were advised to continue monitoring the New York State website and official channels for ongoing updates and emergency advisories.