PATTERSON, NY – A powerful rainstorm unleashed chaos across the Hudson Valley on Monday, flooding roads, overwhelming storm drains, and even causing the collapse of a building in Patterson.
Record Rainfall Overwhelms Infrastructure
According to the National Weather Service, an extraordinary five inches of rain fell on Patterson within just two hours. The rapid deluge overwhelmed the region’s infrastructure, forcing emergency closures and prompting widespread flooding.
One of the hardest-hit areas was Route 22, which had to be shut down from the Route 164 interchange to Havilland Hollow Road. The closure came after the Great Swamp overflowed its banks and storm drains failed to keep up with the intense volume of water, transforming the busy thoroughfare into a temporary lake.
Firefighters Stretched Thin by Storm-Related Emergencies
The Patterson Fire Department was inundated with calls throughout the day, responding to a wide range of storm-related incidents. Emergency crews tackled multiple transformer fires, downed trees, flooded basements, and road hazards. In some locations, storm runoff scattered cobblestone-sized rocks across the roadways, creating treacherous driving conditions. In other areas, water reached up to a foot deep, further complicating emergency response efforts.
Building Collapse on Jon Barrett Road
One of the most serious incidents occurred on Jon Barrett Road, where a building collapsed during the height of the storm. Joey Nickischer, leader of the Putnam County Technical Rescue Team, confirmed that emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene.
“Thankfully, the building was vacant at the time and no one was injured,” said Nickischer, noting how fortunate the situation turned out despite the severity of the collapse.
Multi-Agency Response Keeps Community Safe
The emergency response was a coordinated effort involving multiple departments. Firefighters from the Putnam Lake Fire Department assisted their counterparts in Patterson throughout the afternoon and evening. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department was also on the scene, helping manage road closures and ensure public safety.
Nickischer expressed deep gratitude for the dedication and bravery of local volunteer firefighters.
“These are men and women who left their paying jobs early, risking their own safety in the midst of a violent storm, to help close roads, remove fallen trees, and protect our communities,” he said. “Their efforts made all the difference.”
Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant
While cleanup efforts are ongoing, local officials are urging residents to remain cautious. With more rain forecasted in the coming days, saturated ground conditions and swollen waterways continue to pose a risk for additional flooding and storm-related damage.
Patterson residents are advised to monitor weather alerts, avoid driving through flooded roads, and report any hazards to emergency services.
A Reminder of Nature’s Force
Monday’s storm served as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability and intensity of extreme weather events. While property damage across the region is still being assessed, the lack of injuries stands as a testament to the swift and selfless actions of local first responders.
Community leaders and emergency crews are now focusing on restoring normalcy and preparing for potential future storms as the region enters the peak of summer storm season.
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