The National Weather Service issued a Severe Flash Flood Warning for parts of northern Genesee, Monroe, southeastern Niagara and Orleans counties until 5:00 PM EDT today, after Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain in those areas.
Last update: July 18, 2026. The warning was issued because between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain had already fallen in the warned area and additional amounts up to 1 inch were possible, creating a risk of rapidly rising water in small streams, urban areas and low-lying roadways. Officials emphasized immediate safety actions as flash flooding was ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Who is affected and what officials advised
The warning specifically covered northern Genesee County, Monroe County, southeastern Niagara County and Orleans County and applied until 5:00 PM EDT. The National Weather Service advised residents and motorists to follow guidance from local authorities and emergency services and to call 911 in case of an emergency. Officials repeated the safety slogan “Turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads and reminded the public that most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Broader Severe Flood Watch for New York City and nearby New Jersey
Separately, a Severe Flood Watch remained in effect for New York City boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island — and for multiple counties in northeast New Jersey and southeast New York through 2:00 AM EDT on July 19. The watch reflected forecasts for multiple rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms with peak rainfall rates of 1.5 to 2 inches per hour, increasing the risk of rapid runoff, urban flooding and rising levels on rivers, creeks and streams.
Timing, impacts and preparedness
The watch period was adjusted to reflect expected successive rounds of heavy precipitation from the late morning of July 18 through late tonight, July 19. Forecast guidance warned that excessive runoff may flood rivers, creeks and streams and that flooding could occur in areas with poor drainage. Motorists were cautioned to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to remain alert for Flood Warnings that local emergency services might issue if conditions worsened.
Authorities urged residents in flood-prone locations to monitor official forecasts, maintain situational awareness during the watch period and be prepared to take protective action if conditions deteriorated.
