Westchester County is under a flood watch through 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, with the county's Office of Emergency Services actively monitoring conditions and county departments on standby to respond.

The watch took effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 28. Westchester County announced the alert in a press release Monday, July 27, directing residents not to drive through flooded roads or barricades. For Bronxville, Scarsdale, and Eastchester residents, the Bronx River Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, and Sprain Brook Parkway are historically flood-prone corridors the county has flagged in prior emergencies.

The storm driving the watch is unusually strong for late July. Forecasters expect combined rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches across the region Tuesday and Wednesday, with the heaviest downpours arriving Tuesday afternoon and continuing into the evening, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Rinde. Rain rates could exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour during the most intense bands.

"It looks like it is going to be an unusually powerful storm for this time of year," Rinde told the New York Post on Monday. "Usually, you don't get a developing low pressure in the Northeast in the late part of July."

The National Weather Service said wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph could down power lines and trees. A secondary low-pressure system may form near Long Island Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, potentially pushing gusts to 40 to 50 mph in some spots and triggering coastal flooding.

The Lower Hudson Valley, which includes all of Westchester County, is under a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Flood safety for drivers and residents

Westchester County's press release stressed that most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. The county warned that rising water can sweep cars away or cause drivers to lose control.

Floodwaters can conceal live electrical wires, sewage, harmful bacteria, dangerous chemicals, and sharp debris, the county said. Residents should stay out of standing floodwater entirely.

No local police or fire department statements specific to Bronxville, Scarsdale, or Eastchester had been issued as of Tuesday morning. Residents should monitor the National Weather Service for updates, as the watch period may be extended.

Additional flood safety information is available at dhses.ny.gov/flood. In a true emergency, dial 911.