Storm-battered New York will need federal assistance after a deluge of rain resulted in widespread flooding across multiple regions, state elected officials on Monday said.
At the same time, New York Attorney General Letitia James warned against taking advantage of consumers and price gouging of essential goods in the wake of the storms.
States of emergency have been declared in Orange and Ontario counties, with road closures and an indefinite suspension of Amtrak service between Albany and New York City in place.
Gov. Kathy Hochul's office said more than eight inches of rain have fallen within a 24-hour period in some areas as the Mid-Hudson to the Finger Lakes in New York have been affected. State emergency offices, including the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center and State Fire Operations Center are providing local assistance.
State agencies have also deployed people and equipment to assist local responses in the Mid-Hudson and Finger Lakes areas.
Hochul on Monday said she spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Deanne Criswell as the first step toward receiving assistance from the federal government.
"She has offered all the help necessary," Hochul said. "So, the first step is assessment, assess the damage, assess the monetary value of the damage so we can put in our request for FEMA assistance to help the communities have the resources they need to rebuild."
The conversation dovetails with a letter sent Monday by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan calling for federal aid from FEMA.
"With so many New Yorkers affected, we urge FEMA to stand ready to participate in a Preliminary Damage Assessment with state and local officials, should the state request it," they wrote.
Republicans, too, are calling for assistance to aid Hudson Valley residents in the wake of the flooding. Rep. Mike Lawler in a statement said he spoke with top Hochul administration officials, including State Operations Director Kathryn Garcia.
"It's clear, based on initial assessments, that we are looking at tens of millions of dollars in damage here, and we all need to work together in order to ensure that the full force of OEM and FEMA are able to help with recovery efforts," Lawler said.
New York officials, meanwhile, also warned against taking advantage of the devastation. James, the attorney general, in a statement said New Yorkers should be on guard against price gouging.
“Strong storms have caused significant damage across the state and families shouldn’t have to worry about price gouging as they stock up on essential supplies,” she said. “That is why I am sending a clear warning to businesses that they cannot use this as an opportunity to raise prices on essential items. I urge New Yorkers who see higher prices on essential goods to report it to my office immediately. New Yorkers impacted by the storms should also follow local guidance to stay safe.”