JULY 30—BOOM! IRAN WAR KEEPS ON GOING AND GOING AND GOING UNAUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS.. REPUBLICANS BLOCK SENATE VOTE ON ENDING THE WAR

Posted on July 30, 2026 by John Bailey

GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON REPUBLICANS BLOCKING HER IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after Republicans voted to block her resolution directing President Trump to remove the U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless military force is explicitly authorized by Congress.

Earlier today, Senator Gillibrand gave a speech on the Senate floor advocating for passage of her resolution to bring an end to the war and lower costs for New York families.

“Today’s vote sends a clear message to the American people:

Republicans have abandoned their duties as elected officials and refuse to keep President Trump in check.

At a time when working New Yorkers are being crushed by skyrocketing gas prices and our service members are being killed and seriously injured, the president is content spending American tax dollars and risking American lives in another endless foreign war.

“I am deeply disappointed by the failure of this vote and by Republicans’ support for a war with no justification, no strategy, and no end in sight.

The American people did not ask for and do not support this war, and the Constitution makes clear that Congress, not the president, has the power to authorize military action.

I will continue fighting for accountability, to reassert Congress’ constitutional role, and to prioritize policies that put working families first.”

JULY 30– GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES NEW GUN SAFETY ACTIONS TO PROTECT NY-ERS FROM FEDERAL REGULATION ROLLBACKS

Posted on July 30, 2026 by John Bailey

Prioritizes State Police Inspections of Firearms Dealers Linked to Crime

Expands the Scope of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns

Inros Legislative Actions that Would Require the In-Person Sale of Firearms

Launches Public Awareness Campaign Targeting Gun Dealers to Remind Them of New York State Laws

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced actions in response to the Trump Administration’s proposed rollbacks that would make sweeping and dangerous changes to federal firearms regulations.

Earlier this year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced changes to more than 30 rules that will make it easier for dangerous individuals to obtain firearms and harder to hold bad actors in the firearms industry accountable. In response, New York State is taking action by increasing enforcement and education and exploring legislative changes that will blunt the effect of many of these changes and preserve public safety.

“Time and time again, we see the Trump Administration concede to the gun lobby, and these rollbacks are yet another giveaway that will have devastating and dangerous effects across the country,” Governor Hochul said.

“While the federal government paves the way for increased firearm trafficking and putting guns in the hands of those who should not have them, New York State is taking action to blunt their efforts by bolstering our nation-leading gun laws and committing to closing the loopholes that put lives in jeopardy.”

Firearm dealers operating in New York must obtain licensure at the federal and state levels, but action against licensees happens almost exclusively at the federal level.

The ATF’s proposed rollbacks are a clear abdication of their responsibility to hold bad actors accountable and keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals, requiring states to increase their enforcement against bad actors.

Governor Hochul announced the following actions alongside the New York State Police and members of New York’s gun safety coalition, including representatives from Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, Giffords, Brady United and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence:

Immediate Actions

Prioritizing State Police Inspections of all Firearms Dealers who are Linked to Crime Guns

New York will step up oversight and enforcement to ensure that its state-licensed dealers are complying with the rigorous standards imposed by law. NYSP will prioritize onsite inspections of all dealers who are determined to be the source of crime guns and will work with the Office of the Attorney General to increase enforcement on dealers who are repeatedly traced to crime guns when appropriate.

Expanding the Scope of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns

Originally convened by Governor Hochul in 2022, New York’s Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns includes local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. The scope of this Task Force will expand to combine resources, share information, and develop strategies to combat increased public safety threats. Governor Hochul has directed Task Force members to reconvene to develop a coordinated interstate response to the ATF rollbacks and commit to regular information sharing related to crime guns located in one state that were purchased in another state.

Launching a Public Education Campaign Targeted at Firearm Dealers

New York State is launching a public awareness campaign and increased enforcement operation targeted specifically at gun dealers to remind them that many of New York’s strong laws remain in effect notwithstanding the federal regulations and must be followed despite the federal rollbacks. The campaign, which will feature direct mailers and emails to firearm dealers and firearm licensing officials, will focus on ATF rollbacks that state law prevents from having practical effect. This will be developed by the Division of Criminal Justice Services in close coordination with the New York State Police.

Legislative Actions

Requiring the In-Person Sale of Firearms

The ATF rule changes would allow for online sales of firearms. At the start of the next legislative session, Governor Hochul plans on introducing legislation to amend the penal law to require in-person sale of firearms. This law change would align firearm sales with ammunition sales, which are required to be done in-person.

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has committed more than $4 billion to public safety initiatives and doubled funding to combat gun violence in New York communities. Governor Hochul also partnered with 11 other states to intercept weapons along the I-95 corridor, enhance Red Flag Laws to keep guns away from individuals that are a risk to themselves and others, and strengthened New York’s concealed carry laws in response to the Supreme Court’s reckless Bruen decision. As part of the FY 27 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul sustained record-level investments in prevention, intervention and enforcement, including addressing emerging threats as 3-D printed guns and DIY machine guns.

JULY 30– FALSE BILLS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS/RENEWALS LATEST CYBER SCAM

Posted on July 30, 2026 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCAMS REPORTER. By John F. Bailey July 30, 2026:

There’s a new sophisticated scam adding to the phone scam epidemic flooding America’s phone lines landlines and cellphones and emails — with real credible documents that look very legitimate. Very intimidating.

The email looks real, with logos account numbers and documentations of a national computer service company billing me for a renewal of a subscription, but if I wanted to cancel I had to call a phone number in 12 hours.

I did not remember it.

So I called to cancel. But when I declared I wanted to, the person answering the phone said it had already been billed and I had to have the money returned from my account. I then spent an hour and a half with him on the phone filling out a cancellation form, to come in 2 separate payments with acccount number, and my social security number.

But I misplaced the decimal point on the first amount which turned the refund into 10 times the amount the first refund payment was to be. But apparently it was not checked for the correct amount. I contacted them back and pointed out the mistake. The man on the end of the line said the money had already been sent, and I had to instruct the bank to return it.

The company representative sent me a copy of my bank account printout logo and everything with the amount sent being credited to my account.

At this time Brenda Starr returned from latest assignment (grocery shopping). She said “How do you keep falling for these things.” She said wait a minute, went to her computer and drew up the account.

There was no deposit reflecting the alleged money reported by the account sheet shown me .

Obviously it was a scam all the way with no money being sent into my account.

As a kicker, as a part of the cancellation the rep said before my decibel point error, as a good will gesture the billing guy said they were sending me a security analysis program which suddenly began to upload.

Brenda said do not talk with them anymore.

I was contacted repeatedly on the cellphone with threats.

My warning: This came upon closer examination a mailing from Turkey.

All those things you are being billed for with cooperation of the authorities and co-opting of official stationary of banks, town offices departments are phony.

In fact a subsidiary of my subscription renewal scam identified the sender of the phantom money to my account was identified with Chase subsidiary. Chase if they did put their name to this fraud, should be very unhappy to have their reputation being exploited in this way.

For that matter the vast business of money transfers by wire through credit cards and I will not name the giant companies that do this–money supporting the ganiffs of the world.

Where is America’s cyber security enforcement?

JULY 30–AMERICAN EXPRESS IN PROLIFERATION OF TELEPHONE SCAMMERS IDENTIFIES THE CLUES TO A SCAM

Posted on July 30, 2026 by John Bailey

Help protect yourself
from scams

American Express ribbon over an image of a couple examining a suspicious message.

Use this information to help keep your account safe.

Learn to Spot Scams

Stay vigilant

Impostor scams are where someone pretends to be a trusted authority like a
government entity, your bank, or American Express. They create a sense of
urgency and try to force you to make snap judgments in situations like these:

A government or law enforcement official reaches out to demand immediate payment for a debt or to collect personal information.

A person claims to have tickets for a high-demand event like a sold-out game for a discount. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

Someone makes a request for an unusual form of payment such as gift cards or crypto. Remember, American Express will never ask you to pay with gift cards or crypto to resolve an issue with your account.

In all of these instances, the scammer is trying to access your credit card
account details or steal your funds.

Pause, think, and verify before you take action.

JULY 29–DR. MARISA DONNELLY YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST NEW YORK ON CYCLOSPORA NEW YORK OUTBREAK

Posted on July 29, 2026 by John Bailey

Marisa Donnelly, PhD

Your Local Epidemiologist in New York

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the national Cyclospora outbreak and whether New Yorkers should be worried.

First, New York is not part of the iceberg lettuce recall, and no NYC cases have been linked to the recalled lettuce. That said, Cyclospora cases are higher than usual in New York this summer. Many of these cases are part of small clusters around the city, often linked to single restaurants or events where multiple people got sick around the same time. While the CDC and FDA continue to work with the health department to investigate the outbreaks, it doesn’t appear that there’s a single common source.

So what does this mean for you?

🔹 For most New Yorkers, you can keep on eating your salads! Because we aren’t part of the lettuce recall, there’s no reason to treat your lettuce any differently than you would before.

🔹 That said, continue practicing good food safety by washing fresh produce well.

🔹 If you’re pregnant, immunocompromised, or older, you may want to be a bit more cautious with raw produce that’s been linked to Cyclospora outbreaks in the past, like lettuces, fresh herbs, raspberries, and blackberries. Cooking produce to an internal temperature of 158°F is also a safe option.

🔹 If you develop prolonged watery diarrhea, ask your healthcare provider about testing for Cyclospora, since it’s not always included on routine stool tests.

If you’d like a more in depth look at New York’s Cyclospora outbreak, check out my latest post. I break down what investigators know so far, why these cases appear to be different from the national outbreak, and what I’ll be watching as the investigation continues. yourlocalepidemiologist…

JULY 29– SENATOR GILLEBRAND QUESTIONS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ON FOOD SUPPLY SAFETY

Posted on July 29, 2026 by John Bailey

AMID CYCLOSPORIASIS OUTBREAK, GILLIBRAND DEMANDS ANSWERS ABOUT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION GUTTING MONITORING OF FOODBORNE ILLNESSES

Over 4,000 Confirmed Cases Of Cyclosporiasis Have Been Reported Nationwide, Including Over 400 Reported In New York So Far This Year

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) pressed the Trump administration on its work to undermine federal monitoring of foodborne illness, specifically surveillance of Cyclospora contamination. Cyclospora is the microscopic parasite behind this summer’s nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, which has already sickened thousands of Americans.

“New Yorkers deserve to know whether and how their government is actively monitoring threats to the food supply and that the food on their tables is safe to eat,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Trump administration’s staffing and funding cuts to public health programs and moves to scale back tracking of foodborne illnesses have coincided with the explosion of cyclosporiasis that we see today. I am demanding answers about how the administration plans to remedy this outbreak and protect Americans from foodborne illnesses going forward.”

Over the last year, the Trump administration has eroded key federal efforts to prevent and contain foodborne illnesses, like cyclosporiasis. In July 2025, it removed Cyclospora, along with five other pathogens, from the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) mandatory tracking list.

Additionally, the administration cut the budget to the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) by 25 percent, forcing laboratories across the nation to implement hiring freezes, reduce scientific staff, and delay the replacement of critical diagnostic equipment. The administration’s massive federal staffing cuts also forced the suspension of quality checks across the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s national network of labs that test food for pathogens and contaminants – including Cyclospora. These cuts in combination hindered the government’s ability to detect and respond to the current cyclosporiasis outbreak.

As Gillibrand writes in her letter, these cuts have “created dangerous blind spots that directly compromise public health and leave Americans vulnerable to preventable parasitic infections, both presently and in the future.”

She pressed the administration on how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA plan to mitigate the current cyclosporiasis outbreak and monitor future outbreaks going forward.

The full text of the letter can be found here or below:

Dear Acting Director Bhattacharya and Acting Commissioner Diamantas,

I write to express concern regarding the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak and recent actions by the administration that are impeding our nation’s ability to respond. The current uncontrolled outbreak has resulted in hundreds of ill New Yorkers, with more than 400 cyclosporiasis cases reported in New York City alone. This administration’s efforts to scale back federal monitoring of foodborne illness, specifically surveillance of Cyclospora contamination, have created dangerous blind spots that directly compromise public health and leave Americans vulnerable to preventable parasitic infections, both presently and in the future.

A functioning surveillance framework is our primary line of defense, and yet, over the past year, this administration has systematically eroded key protections, decimating our ability to prevent and contain foodborne illness, like cyclosporiasis. The July 2025 decision to remove Cyclospora, along with five other pathogens, from the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) mandatory tracking list significantly deteriorates our public health safeguards. The administration’s subsequent 25 percent budget cut to the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM)4 has also forced laboratories across the nation to implement hiring freezes, reduce scientific staff, and delay the replacement of critical diagnostic equipment. Compounding this, the administration’s massive federal staffing cuts also forced the suspension of quality checks across the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s national network of labs that test food for pathogens and contaminants – including Cyclospora..

When tracking is rendered optional and coupled with cuts to staff and funding, the federal government blinds itself to preventing and identifying localized spikes before they escalate into nationwide crises. Cyclospora typically features a prolonged incubation period of a week or more between exposure and the onset of debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms, making real-time coordination vital to trace contaminated agricultural products back to the source before more families are exposed.

New Yorkers deserve to feel reassured that the food on their kitchen tables is safe and that federal agencies remain vigilant in actively monitoring threats to our food supply. To assist Congress in understanding the administration’s mitigation strategy, I request prompt responses to the following questions by July 31, 2026:

Now that Cyclospora has been removed from mandatory FoodNet tracking, how does CDC intend to maintain a statistically reliable baseline of infection rates in states that opt out of reporting?
With reports indicating CDC can currently fund only 40 percent of state requests for foodborne disease surveillance and response, how will the agency prioritize emerging outbreak investigations?
What protocols are being established to counter the delay caused by Cyclospora’s long incubation period, given the reduction in real-time surveillance data?
How does FDA plan to ensure that state laboratories can maintain adequate testing for Cyclospora and other high-consequence pathogens following the 25 percent reduction in LFFM funding?
With the number of active food safety laboratories in the FERN network reduced from 41 to 15, what contingencies are in place to prevent delays in sample processing during a multi-state outbreak?
How will FDA support state laboratories with hiring freezes and scientific staff deficits to ensure critical food safety inspections continue?

Thank you for your attention to this request and ongoing work to protect Americans from foodborne illness outbreaks. I look forward to your prompt response.

JULY 28 10 PM EDT– GOVERNOR HOCHUL, ATTORNEY GENERAL JAMES ANNOUNCE FINAL SAFE FOR KIDS ARCT RULES TO PROTECT CHILDREN ONLINE

Posted on July 28, 2026 by John Bailey

Outlines How Social Media Companies Should Confirm Users’ Age

Stop sAddictive Feeds and Nighttime Notifications for Children

Restricts Addictive Feeds, Creates Safeguards Against Harmful AI Companions

Bans Smartphones in Schools, Enacts Social Media Warning Labels

Protect Kids from Predatory Behavior Online

Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James today announced the release of final rules on how social media companies must restrict addictive features on their platforms to comply with the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and protect children’s mental health.

New York’s pioneering SAFE for Kids Act requires social media companies to restrict algorithmically personalized feeds and nighttime notifications for users under the age of 18 unless they obtain parental consent.

Algorithmic feeds and nighttime notifications are tied to depression, anxiety, eating and sleep disorders, and other mental health issues among children and teenagers.

The rules released today establish criteria to clarify which platforms are subject to the SAFE for Kids requirements and outline standards to determine users’ age and obtain parental consent.

This announcement furthers Governor Hochul’s nation-leading work to restrict addictive feeds, create safeguards against harmful AI companions, ban smartphones in schools, enact social media warning labels, and protect kids from predatory behavior online.

“When I came into office, our children were in the throes of a full-blown mental health crisis, and as New York’s first mom Governor, I felt a moral imperative to act,” Governor Hochul said.

“Today, we’re sending a clear message: our kids’ mental health isn’t for sale. We promised action and the SAFE for Kids Act is delivering by ensuring that any platform that targets our children with addictive feeds will face legal consequences. Instead of clicking and scrolling, our kids will be learning and growing.”

Attorney General Letitia James said, “The SAFE for Kids Act leads the nation in keeping our children safe online and protecting youth from the devastating effects of unchecked social media. These rules set standards for age verification and parental control to ensure tech companies are doing their part to keep kids safe on their platforms. Young people are particularly vulnerable to addictive social media features, and my office is committed to protecting all New Yorkers from potentially harmful technologies and companies that try to take advantage of them.”

Algorithmically personalized feeds, or addictive feeds, recommend or personalize content for users in an endless stream based on data that the platform gathers about the user.

They are designed to encourage a user to continue to use and return to a platform.

Content displayed in addictive feeds is often from accounts that a user has not selected, does not follow, and is often displayed out of chronological order.

Addictive feeds are known to drive unhealthy levels of social media use in minors that can affect their mental health.

Research shows that children as young as 10 to 14 years old experience addictive use of social media, and the more time children spend on social media, the more likely they are to experience negative mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and eating and sleep disorders.

The SAFE for Kids Act addresses these mental health concerns for children by requiring social media companies to restrict addictive feeds for users under 18. Instead of the default algorithmically personalized feeds designed to keep young people on the platform, users under 18 will only be shown content from other accounts they follow or otherwise select in a set sequence, such as chronological order, unless they get parental consent for an addictive feed.

Users cannot be cut off from the platform simply because they either do not want or do not have parental consent for an addictive feed. Instead, all users will still be able to access all the same content they can access now.

The law also prohibits social media platforms from sending notifications to users under 18 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. without parental consent.

Signed into law by Governor Hochul in June 2024, the SAFE for Kids Act authorized the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to promulgate rules on how companies should comply with the law before the statute goes into effect, including rules that set industry standards for determining a user’s age and securing parental consent.

The OAG issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on August 1, 2024, and provided the public with a 60-day period to submit comments.

The proposed rules were made public for review on September 15, 2025. The OAG incorporated public input, industry research, and its significant experience to inform the proposed and final rules.

Age Assurance

Under the law and regulations, social media companies must determine that a given user is an adult before providing them with algorithmic feeds and/or nighttime notifications. Companies may confirm a user’s age using any methods that meet accuracy benchmarks and protect users’ data as set forth in the regulations. Companies can use options such as:

- Requesting an uploaded image or video; or

- Verifying a user’s email address or phone number to cross-check other information that reflects a user’s age.

Social media companies must offer at least one alternative method for age assurance besides providing a government-issued ID.
Any information used to determine age or obtain parental consent must not be used for any other purpose and must be deleted or de-identified immediately after its intended use. Social media companies must use only the minimum amount of data necessary to confirm a user’s age.
Minor users must have an option to update their age status on the platform when they turn 18.
Social media companies must choose an age assurance method with a high accuracy rate, conduct annual testing, and retain the results of the testing for a minimum of 5 years.

Parental Consent

Minors must affirmatively seek access to prohibited features and must consent to their parent being notified. Any parent who wants to grant consent must go through age assurance.
The platform may not block a minor user from generally accessing the platform or its content through, for example, searches, simply because they or their parent has refused to consent.
Parents and minors must also have the option to withdraw their consent at any time.

The SAFE for Kids Act and rules apply to “Addictive Online Platforms,” defined as platforms that display user-generated content and have users who spend at least 20 percent of their time on the platform’s addictive feeds measured over a six-month period.

The full final rules can be found on OAG’s website. The final rules will be published in the State Register tomorrow July 29, 2026.

The SAFE for Kids Act goes into effect 180 days later, on January 25, 2027.

For companies that violate the SAFE for Kids Act, the law authorizes OAG to bring an action to stop violations as well as to seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, among other remedies.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “I passed this law for a simple reason: kids’ safety should come before Big Tech’s profits. The SAFE For Kids Act protects children from addictive algorithms that force-feed them content they don’t want and put their mental health at risk. These new regulations bring the law to life by keeping young people safe while protecting New Yorkers’ online privacy and holding social media corporations accountable. Thanks to Attorney General James for her crucial work to get this done. Together, we’re building a safer, better internet for all New Yorkers.”

Assemblymember Nily Rozic said, “As a mother and legislator, keeping our kids safe is one of my highest priorities. The final SAFE for Kids rules are a major step toward holding social media platforms accountable and protecting children from harmful and addictive features. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and Attorney General James for their leadership and for ensuring that New York continues to lead the way in putting families first.”

Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer said, “We applaud Attorney General Letitia James and her team for the tremendous work that went into developing the final regulations to implement the SAFE for Kids Act.

The SAFE for Kids Act, and these new final rules to implement and enforce it, has the potential to be a transformative step forward in protecting children from the addictive design features of social media.

We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General James, and the state lawmakers who championed this landmark law. New York is setting a national standard for protecting kids online by focusing on curbing addictive social media feeds and limiting late-night notifications that disrupt children’s sleep and well-being. There is more work to do to protect kids from the risks of AI and social media, but this law and its final rules are groundbreaking.”

Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) Founder and Executive Director Julie Scelfo said, “New York’s SAFE for Kids Act is the nation’s strongest legislation to protect children online by ensuring they are not exposed to the addictive algorithms running rampant on social media platforms.

These new rules are an important and essential step in the enforcement of this landmark legislation and provide a pathway for other states to follow. MAMA is grateful to Attorney General James and her team for their careful and trailblazing efforts. By tackling addictive and harmful feeds head-on, New York

JULY 28–THIS WEEK IN WESTCHESTER WITH COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS

Posted on July 28, 2026 by John Bailey

This Week in Westchester: The Briefing

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins

Watch the News Conference Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HK3026wyIk

***Time Codes Below Correspond with YouTube Link***

Dobbs Ferry Mayor Christy Knell joined to discuss exciting updates happening in the Village of Dobbs Ferry. (00:48 – 5:30)
Westchester County is urging residents and businesses to remain vigilant following a statewide alert from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services regarding an email scam targeting those involved in planning, zoning and land use applications. (6:55 – 9:16)
Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald discussed the results of the County’s 2025-2026 School Bus Safety Annual Report. (9:24 – 11:14)
County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighted an upcoming bill signing prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices camouflaged to look like everyday items. (12:18 – 13:56)
Upcoming events in Westchester County Parks. (14:08 – 16:30)

JULY 28— 9:30 PM EDT FLOOD WATCH DECLARED FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY TUESDAY

Posted on July 27, 2026 by John Bailey

Westchester County Under Flood Watch Tuesday Through Wednesday Morning

Residents Urged to Stay Alert

(White Plains, NY) – A Flood Watch has been issued for Westchester County from 8 am Tuesday, July 28, until 8 am Wednesday, July 29. The Westchester County Office of Emergency Services is actively monitoring the situation, and County departments are on standby, ready to assist.

During a flood, water levels and rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles.

· Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road.

· Do not drive through barricades.

Rising and fast floodwaters can sweep vehicles away or cause you to lose control of a vehicle.
Stay out of floodwaters. Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury, or even death: animals and insects, live wires, dangerous chemicals, sewage, harmful bacteria, and sharp objects and debris.

For more safety tips visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/flood

JULY 27 —8:30 PM EDT– HEAVY RAIN 2AND FLASH FLOODING AHEAD TOMORROW—2-1/2 TO 8 INCHES EXPECTED TUES WEDNESDAY

Posted on July 27, 2026 by John Bailey

GOVERNOR HOCHUL URGES CAUTION AHEAD OF HEAVY RAIN AND FLASH FLOODING

Prolonged Rain, Possible Thunderstorms and Potential for Flash Flooding Expected Statewide Tuesday Through Wednesday

Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions at Highest Risk with Moderate Chance – 40 to 70 Percent Chance – for Flash Flooding

Two to Five Inches of Rain Over Two Days with Localized Peak Rainfall Totals of up to Six Inches Possible; Catskills Could See Six to Eight Inches of Rainfall Through Wednesday Morning

New Yorkers Encouraged to Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to exercise caution ahead of a storm forecast to bring heavy rain throughout the state Tuesday and Wednesday with flash flooding likely. Beginning Tuesday, a weather system will stall over the state bringing prolonged rain, thunderstorms and flash flooding.

The Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions have a Moderate or 40 to 70 percent chance for flash flooding, while the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley have a Slight risk or 15 to 40 percent chance.

The rest of the state has a Marginal flash flood risk or 5 to 15 percent chance. Widespread rainfall totals of two to five inches are likely, with localized peak totals of six inches of rainfall possible.

Areas across the Catskills could see totals of six to eight inches of rainfall through Wednesday morning. With heavy rain, scattered flash flooding is likely, which will make travel hazardous due to ponding water and reduced visibility.

“New York State will be experiencing a prolonged rain event beginning Tuesday that will bring heavy rains and cause flash flooding – New Yorkers should stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution,” Governor Hochul said. “As State agencies are ready and mobilized to keep New Yorkers safe, it is important for everyone to do their part by monitoring your local forecast and when in doubt, turn around, don’t drown.”

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Tips to stay safe when there is the potential for flash flooding:

Before and During the Storm

Stay Informed: Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
Follow Instructions from Local Officials: If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait — follow all orders promptly.
Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters: One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
Know your evacuation route and how to get to higher ground.
Know your area’s type of flood risk — visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
Have an emergency go bag ready to grab for you, your family and your pets that includes any medications you may need.
Check in with elderly neighbors or those who may have mobility issues.
Do not touch downed power lines.
Keep your phone charged.
Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

After Flood Waters Have Receded

Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
If your home or apartment has been flooded, DO NOT turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
Throw out any medicine or food that may have had contact with flood waters.
Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
Do not touch downed power lines.
For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips.

New York State agencies are taking actions to respond to the forecasted heavy rain, including:

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance. State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center, New York’s 24/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) has pre-staged a water rescue team and State Police have another water rescue team on call.

To receive real-time weather and emergency alerts, New Yorkers are encouraged to text the name of their county or borough to 333111.

Help protect yourself from scams

Stay vigilant

Help protect yourself
from scams