Thunderstorms and heavy rain are causing flash flooding throughout the Capital Region on Wednesday morning.
Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for many counties in the region through at least the late morning, with many extending into the afternoon and evening. Other outlying counties are under Flood Watches.
Rain is expected to turn more scattered by mid-morning.
Rensselaer County has declared a state of emergency, with officials advising against non-essential travel.
Multiple roads in Schodack were impassable and closed, leading the town to strongly discourage unnecessary travel. Town hall closed for the day.
Earlier Wednesday morning, the Albany Police Department said on social media that multiple main roads in the city, including the City Line area of Central Avenue and Washington Avenue/Campus Access Road, were closed due to flooding.
The American Red Cross said it is opening a shelter at the Albany School of Humanities (108 Whitehall Road) around noon for those affected by flooding.
In Amsterdam, the city’s Department of Public Works closed a stretch of West Main Street in front of the train station because of flash flooding.
“[F]or now, drivers heading east and west on Rt. 5 who were planning on driving through this impacted area should use Guy Park Ave. to get where they are going this morning,” read a statement from the city.
The rain also caused the cancellation of Wednesday racing at Saratoga Race Course.