Exclusive: Rockland County Officials Respond To Yesterday's Devastating Floods

By Idy Perl

Yesterday's storm and subsequent flooding devastated the greater Rockland community and caused several incidents around the county. Emergency services and Chaverim were out for many hours rescuing pedestrians from floods and ensuring that all local residents were safe. 

Town officials responded to the devastation with exclusive comments to Rockland Daily, enumerating and praising the hard work of local first response teams and the county's preparation for severe weather. 

Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht:

"Rockland County received the most amount of rain in the lower Hudson Valley from yesterday's thunderstorms, and Ramapo was not spared. Several roads were closed due to flooding, and at least three people had to be rescued from their cars at different locations. We received reports of flooded basements and homes. Our Highway Department gave out sandbags at the Town garage to residents to prevent or mitigate flooding damage to people's homes. Fortunately we have not received any reports of injuries. The Town Highway Department, Police, local Fire Departments and communal organizations including Chaverim sprang into action to rescue people and to protect property. We owe them our appreciation."

Ramapo Police Captain Lee:

"During yesterday's storms, the Ramapo Police Department was kept very busy responding to numerous flooding conditions throughout the Town.  In addition to roadways becoming flooded, there were a few homes that experienced flooding as well.  Additionally, there were some trees that were also damaged.  As always, the Ramapo Police Department works with our partners from EMS agencies and local Fire departments to professionally handle the needs of our residents during these unusual weather events. The Ramapo Police Department would just like to remind our residents that the weather can at times be very dangerous and that best course of action is to stay off the roads and indoors when able. "

Town of Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann:

"The Town of Clarkstown received 5.52 inches of rain in a five-hour window. It caused significant flooding in low-lying areas, and due to the rapid nature of the rain it caused some flash flooding. Luckily, areas that are prone to flood did not, while a number of barriers did, including several commercial parking lots in Nanuet. Thankfully, there were no injuries. We had numerous road closures, including route 59 eastbound by the Palisades Mall, which opened up around midday today. In short, we dodged a bullet."

Monsey Fire District's Public Affairs Coordinator:

“The Monsey Fire Department rarely—if ever—experienced this many calls in such a short time frame as on Monday, responding to active life-threatening emergencies including live downed wires, flooded basements with exposed power cords, and a stuck elevator rapidly filling with water."

We are grateful to all the officials, first responders, and volunteers who assisted the community in weathering through the severe storm.