Commissioner Terry O'Leary

Leading this agency is the privilege of a lifetime and I thank @GovKathyHochul for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to leading the Division as we advance Governor Hochul's top priority in strengthening public safety throughout the entire state.

The waters may recede, but the work continues. We’re focused on recovery, supporting impacted communities, and keeping New Yorkers safe.

From the moment conditions worsened yesterday, our teams were ready to respond across the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. I’m grateful to our first responders and work crews who are on the ground supporting recovery efforts and reopening roads as quickly as possible.

Moderate to heavy rain and flooding continue into tonight in areas of the Capital Region and Mid-Hudson. New Yorkers in the affected areas should continue to monitor their local forecast and sign up for emergency alerts. Remember, never walk or drive through floodwaters.

Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding in the Capital Region and Mid-Hudson areas. Our State Emergency Operations Center is active, and swift water rescue teams have been deployed to assist local responders. Turn around, don't drown. Stay safe and avoid flooded roadways.

The Capital Region and Hudson Valley are experiencing severe flooding. Our Emergency Operations Center is active, and we are in contact with local authorities. Swift water rescue teams have been deployed to support local emergency responders. Please avoid unnecessary travel. And remember: never drive through flooded roads.

Flooding is currently impacting areas in the Capital Region and Mid-Hudson. 🚫Never walk or drive through floodwaters; 6" of moving water can knock you down ✅Move to higher ground and avoid basements ✅Evacuate immediately if told to do so 📸Photo credit: @NYSDOT

An important safety message from @DHSESCommish regarding severe storms and flash flooding throughout the state today and tomorrow.

DHSES is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance. New Yorkers, do your part by monitoring your local forecast and signing up for emergency and weather alerts. 💻Sign up for NY-Alert: alert.ny.gov 📱Text the name of your county or borough to 333111

This week, @DHSESCommish, OEM Director Cichetti & DHSES staff were honored to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York Change of Command Ceremony. We welcome Capt. Doreen McCarthy & express our sincere gratitude to Capt. Jonathan A. Andrechik for his invaluable collaboration.

Strong storms are expected to move across New York this afternoon and evening, with the potential for damaging winds, heavy rain, hail, and isolated tornadoes. Stay safe, keep an eye on your local forecast, and sign up for emergency alerts by texting 333111.

Several Tornado Watches & Flash Flood Warnings are in effect across NYS. Know your risk and stay informed. 📱 Text the name of your county or borough to 333111 for real-time alerts 🎒 Gather supplies & have a go-bag ready 🚨 For a complete list of alerts: nyswrcc.org/nws-alerts

Significant flooding likely ongoing across parts of central #NYC. @NWS has given this flash flood warning a "Considerable" designation. The left map shows areas that have exceeded the city's sewer capacity of 1.75". The right map shows why: up to 2.51" of rain in that time!

An important public safety message from @DHSESCommish. Check air quality at airnow.gov and for more information go to ny.gov.

With air quality at unhealthy levels today, DHSES OEM & the @NationalGuardNY have been distributing thousands of N95-style masks to New Yorkers at Penn Station, Grand Central Station & Staten Island’s St George Ferry Terminal. Check current conditions at AirNow.gov.

The @NYSDEC is now calling for "Very Unhealthy" air quality today for much of upstate NY (purple) & "Unhealthy" for the Hudson Valley/Downstate NY/#NYC. Note that the "Very Unhealthy" designation represents an *increase* in expected severity relative to earlier forecasts.

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires & high temperatures are creating unhealthy air conditions across NYS. New Yorkers are encouraged to take precautions & be ‘air quality aware’. @NYSDEC & @HealthNYGov are closely monitoring conditions to make any necessary changes to advisories.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, @HealthNYGov Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald and @NYSDHSES Commissioner Terry O'Leary provide the latest information to help keep New Yorkers healthy and what you can do to 'Be Air Aware.' Stay air quality aware by visiting: airnow.gov

UPDATE: DEC and @HealthNYGov have issued an air quality health advisory for TOMORROW, July 16th, for fine particulate matter for all of New York State due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Northern Minnesota and Canada. For the latest AQI forecast: appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

Under @GovKathyHochul's leadership, DHSES has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars to support local 911 operations. Today, @DHSESCommish met with Hudson Valley 911 coordinators & emergency managers to discuss how we can strengthen 911 response & create a safer New York State.

Communications is key during emergencies & our first responders must have the most advanced equipment and technology to ensure a reliable communications system. This funding will make our communities safer by enhancing emergency response across our state. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-…