After deadly flash floods, road repairs continue in Orange and Rockland counties
FORT MONTGOMERY, N.Y. - The weather has cleared, but plenty of people are still recovering from flooding.
Tuesday, we spoke to the New York State Troopers involved in a Hudson Valley rescue that was all caught on body camera.
They're recounting the scary moments they saved more than 20 stranded drivers from rushing water.
Residents in Fort Montgomery said it's going to be a long cleanup.
Highland Brook is still running high.
Two days after it contributed to the nightmare flooding that muddied Wilmer Londa's American dream.
"It's hard," he said.
Three months after the immigrant from Ecuador opened a bagel shop in Highland Falls. He's out of business for the forseeable future.
"Everything was running good. My heart is broken," Londa said.
The flooding that followed Sunday's 9-inch deluge will long be remembered.
Tuesday, inspectors began totaling up the damage.
New York will need millions to repair heavily damaged roads and bridges - more than 250 locations. Flooded-out homeowners are anxious to apply for federal aid.
With significant damage at the U.S. Military Academy West Point, there's no doubt New York has Washington's attention. A gaping hole was left behind in West Point. The U.S. Military Academy asked residents for patience as emergency workers both on and off the West Point campus clear roadways of mud, tree limbs and rocks, while also assessing infrastructure throughout.
"I feel very confident we'll qualify for FEMA assistance, so once you get that I think you have to look at infrastructure, make it more climate resistant," Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said.
In the wake of the storm, there are countless tales of bravery.
State police bodycam video shows Troopers Jason Cole and Andrew Giga using a safety line to rescue 25 drivers stranded in dangerous floodwaters on 7 Lakes Drive.
"With the moving water, they can lose their footing. The ground was crumbling beneath their feet. It was very frightening," Giga said.
"Inside we were a little panicky too, so on the outside we laughed and joked and made them feel comfortable and got them where they needed to go," Cole said.
Pictures show the moment the Fort Montgomery Fire Department rescued a young child from flood waters.
Crews have been assessing the major damage left behind after flood waters caused a driveway to collapse.
The Fort Montgomery Fire Department said it has responded to more than 50 emergency calls since Sunday, including car accidents and rescues.
Tuesday morning, drivers struggled to navigate the area amid the various road closures.
"We've been running into roadblocks, and we've been trying to navigate - everywhere we go, it's like the same thing. I don't know what to do," said Bradley Reid.
"A lot of floods still, and you can see it trickle down," one driver said. "I've been here an hour trying to get home to Mahopac, and I'm getting frustrated."
Meanwhile, residents are still dealing with a mess in their own backyard.
"I have a sump pump in the basement, and I wasn't even able to use it. Everything's destroyed," Highland Falls resident Aisha Hendrix said. "The furnace. The water heater. The whole electrical panel was sitting under six feet of water.
Ed Nugent was left without his 43-year-old daughter. In an attempt to cross Mine Dock Road in Highland falls, she was overcome by a foot and a half of fast water and swept away.
"Most beautiful, loving person in the world," Nugent said. "I haven't processed it yet. It's so surreal."
Other neighbors said they haven't seen flooding like this in more than 50 years.
Crews are continuing to make their way throughout Orange and Rockland Counties.
In Rockland County, the following streets have reopened:
- Route 210 in Stony Point
- Route 210 from Cedar Flats Road to Old Route 210
- Cedar Flats Road from Route 210 to PIP Entrance
- Bulsontown Road at Mott Farm Road intersection
"We extend our sincere appreciation to the public works staff, emergency responders, and road maintenance teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism throughout this challenging period," Rockland County Executive Ed Day said. "Their relentless efforts have enabled us to restore normalcy to our community sooner than anticipated."
The following roads remain closed:
- Palisades Interstate Parkway (PIP) from Exit 14 to Route 6, both directions
- Route 9W from Tomkins Cove to Bear Mountain
- Bear Mountain Bridge
- Route 9W from Bear Mountain Circle to Fort Montgomery
- Goat Trail from Bear Mountain Bridge to Peekskill/Westchester
- Route 6 from PIP over the mountain into Orange County
