ALBANY–The National Weather Service in albany has issued a flash flood warning for Columbia County, including the City of Hudson and Village of Chatham. The warning also includes eastern Greene County and the Village of Catskill. It will remain in effect until 4:15 p.m. Friday, July 31.

At 12:10 p.m. National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated flash flooding from heavy showers and  embedded thunderstorms over the warned area. Locations in the warning include but are not limited to Valatie, Philmont, New Lebanon, Kinderhook and Austerlitz.

Additional rainfall amounts of one to two inches are possible in the warned area. Many of these locations received two to seven inches of rainfall on Wednesday. This new rainfall will increase further flooding as the showers repeatedly move over the same area.

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, highways and underpasses. Additionally, country roads and farmlands along the banks of creeks streams and other low-lying areas are subject to flooding.

The NWS says that most flood deaths occur in automobiles and warns motorists that they should never drive vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. The service advises that when encountering flooded roads make the smart choice: Turn around; don’t drown.

A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in the warning area move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property. Do not attempt to cross swiftly flowing waters or waters of unknown depth by foot or by automobile.

To report flooding, have the nearest law enforcement agency relay your report to the National Weather Service forecast office in Albany.

The NWS asks that flooding to the agency by email at .