The National Weather Service issued Severe Flood Warnings for parts of New York on July 29–30, 2026, covering the East Branch Delaware River in Delaware and Wayne counties and the Esopus Creek at Cold Brook in Ulster County.
Last update: July 29, 2026. These warnings matter because rising water levels posed an immediate risk to low-lying areas, riverfront properties and travel routes, and public safety agencies advised residents to monitor developments and avoid flooded roadways.
Warnings for East Branch Delaware River (Delaware and Wayne counties)
A Severe Flood Warning was in effect until July 30 at 2:00 AM EDT for the East Branch Delaware River affecting communities including Harvard and Hancock in Delaware and Wayne counties; the warning indicated that minor flooding was forecast with the river expected to rise and crest just above flood stage this afternoon before falling below flood stage later this evening. Authorities noted that a Flood Warning means flooding was imminent or occurring and that rivers may overflow their banks, threatening low-lying areas and properties adjacent to the river. Emergency guidance emphasized contacting 911 for urgent assistance and avoiding driving through flooded roads, as most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles.
Warning for Esopus Creek at Cold Brook (Ulster County)
A separate Severe Flood Warning was active in Ulster County for the Esopus Creek at Cold Brook from 08:37 until 23:19 on July 29, 2026, where minor flooding was occurring and forecast; the river was expected to crest at 12.6 feet this afternoon before falling below flood stage later in the day. Officials warned that low-lying areas along the creek could experience inundation and reiterated that a Flood Warning denotes imminent or ongoing flooding conditions, advising residents to move to higher ground if necessary and to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters because depth may be greater than it appears.
Public safety measures and monitoring
Local authorities and emergency services urged residents in the affected counties to follow guidance from the National Weather Service and local agencies, to monitor official channels for updates, and to prepare for possible short-term street and property flooding near the waterways. The advisories stressed basic precautions such as avoiding flooded roads, keeping clear of swollen streams, and remaining ready to contact emergency services at 911 if conditions deteriorated; those living near the East Branch Delaware River or Esopus Creek were specifically advised to stay informed through official weather updates.
