Flooding in New York, January 19 to 21, 1996

An intense area of low pressure which was located over the Mid-Atlantic region on Friday morning January 19th produced unseasonably warm temperatures, high dewpoints and strong winds. This resulted in rapid melting of one to three feet of snow. In addition to the rapid snowmelt one to three inches of rain fell as the system moved northeast along the coast. This resulted in widespread flooding across Rensselaer County. Federal Disaster Assistance was made available by presidential declaration. Small streams flooded across the entire county which resulted in several road washouts. Extensive flooding also occurred along the Hudson and Hoosic Rivers. The hardest hit areas within the county were East Greenbush and the Cities of Troy and Rensselaer. In the City of Troy extensive damage occurred along the Hudson River where fifteen businesses were flooded. Some of the businesses included Troy Brew Pub, Castaway Grille, City Hall, Taylor Apartments and a submerged mobile home park in Lansingburgh. Severe damage also occurred to the city marina and Riverfront Park. At Leonard Hospital located in Lansingburgh, 50 patients were evacuated due to basement flooding. In Castleton several residents were evacuated and route 9J near Castleton was closed due to flooding.