Middletown, N.Y. – Torrential morning thunderstorms have triggered a flash flood warning for west central Orange County, where flooding is now ongoing in communities from Port Jervis to Middletown. Roads, creeks, and low-lying neighborhoods are seeing rapid water rise, forcing dangerous travel conditions and street closures through at least 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, radar tracked intense downpours delivering between 1 and 2 inches of rain, with more storms expected to bring an additional half to one inch before noon. Flash flooding is already being reported on local streets and highways, especially around Port Jervis, Howells, and Cuddebackville. Neighborhoods in Otisville, Scotchtown, and Mechanicstown are also at risk as small streams and drainage areas quickly fill.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roads and underpasses—many flood deaths happen in vehicles. Residents in affected areas should be prepared for sudden water rise, especially near the Wallkill and Neversink rivers, and should move valuables to higher ground if safe to do so. Emergency crews are responding to several road closures and stranded vehicles.
This morning’s flooding is the latest in a string of summer storms for Orange County. Additional alerts or warnings may follow as the weather evolves, with conditions remaining hazardous through late morning.
