bear mountain flooding

Heavy rains caused severe flooding in the area around Bear Mountain and Bear Mountain Bridge in Orange and Rockland Counties, New York on July 10, 2023.

• Several major roads were closed due to damage from floodwaters, including Bear Mountain Circle, Long Mountain Circle parts of Palisades Interstate Parkway and the William J. Moreau Popolopen Bridge. Route 9W South and North were also shut down.

• At least one person, a woman in her 30s, died after being swept away from her home while trying to evacuate from the flooding.

• Authorities said the flooding caused tens of millions of dollars in damage. West Point was severely flooded and historic buildings potentially sustained water damage.

• Flash flood warnings were issued, and officials warned of potentially “life-threatening flooding.” Flash flooding was also expected further east in New York and in parts of New England.

• The flooding dislodged boulders that rammed into homes and vehicles, causing additional damage.

• New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Orange County and later extended it to Ontario County. State agencies deployed rescue teams to assist with flooded areas.

• Road closures remained in effect as authorities surveyed the damage caused by the flooding.