Rain

Nearly half of New York state is in pre-drought phase

Nearly half of New York state is in pre-drought phase

"About half of New York state is inching toward a drought, according to today's U.S. Drought Monitor weekly report. About 45 percent of the state is "abnormally dry," the category before "moderate drought." Just over 4 million people live in that area. Most of Upstate New York will likely get an inch of rain through next Tuesday, according to the Weather Prediction Center."

Why forecasters are concerned about this storm

Upstate NY flooding: Why forecasters are concerned about this storm

"Much of Upstate New York has had 6 inches more rain than normal April through June. Considering 3 inches a month is about normal, it's as if those areas in green had two extra months worth of rain by June 30. And that doesn't count the heavy rain that has fallen this month. A soft, soaking rain on dry ground is one thing; torrential rains on already wet ground is a recipe for flash flooding. The red oval denotes the wettest area of Upstate New York, in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Those areas could get hit again today and Thursday."