"I've said this before. This is our new normal, because of climate change. And, as the leader of this state, it's all about being prepared in advance, with the early warning systems we have which went off this morning with great intensity," Hochul said.
A flood watch is in place for the entire downstate New York region through Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.
"Here's the problem. This is expected to be bringing huge volumes of rain, estimated to be between 3-5 inches in the heaviest places. This could fall at the rate of three inches per hour, and what that leads to is severe flooding. Also, a risk of severe thunderstorms, which can be deadly, and also power lines could be down and people without power," Hochul said.
Hochul said the state's Emergency Operations Center has been activated and will remain so all week. Even after Tuesday's storm, more impacts are expected toward the weekend with the remnants of Debby, which has hit the south hard .
"I would say when this starts, you do not want to be on the roads. With flash flooding, conditions change so rapidly, and you can end up in a vehicle - just a small amount of rain can turn your vehicle into a boat, and you are washed away. That is the tragedy that happens in these storms, when people are just going about their everyday lives, and not taking extreme precautions," Hochul said.
Hochul has activated 100 members of the National Guard ahead of the storm. Some 5,600 utility workers are available to repair damage to the electrical system.
Officials said there was a 40-70% chance of flash flooding in New York City, Nassau County, Rockland and Westchester Counties Tuesday. And they emphasized that once we're through the wilderness of this particular storm, Debby's remnants will be with us this weekend.
New York City public schools summer programming are operating Tuesday as normal, as are Public School Athletic League activities, though outdoor events may be moved inside or canceled.
The MTA has crews inspecting drains in flood-prone areas. Straphangers are encouraged to check the MTA's website for the latest service changes.
The New York Yankees postponed their Tuesday night game against the Angels.
The latest forecast
Thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rain and flood risks to New York City and the surrounding area Tuesday.
CBS New York's First Alert Weather team has issued a Red Alert through Wednesday morning. We'll also be on Yellow Alert later this week as the remnants of Debby reach our area.
CBS New York
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for most of the NYC area from 2 p.m. Tuesday until noon Wednesday.
New York's south-facing beaches also have a high rip current risk today. Highs will be in the mid 80s.
CBS New York
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop by midafternoon, then intensify and gradually push through the area.
With anticipated rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches – locally, 3 to 5 inches – there's a bit of concern along roadways and fast responding rivers. So remember, turn around, don't drown!
CBS New York
It will remain active into this evening with the ongoing threat of severe thunderstorms and flooding, though it does look like things should improve a little overnight.
Wednesday will feature showers in and around the city and south, but it does look like some of our northern suburbs should catch a break, at least part of the day. Aside from all that, it will be much cooler with temperatures struggling to get into the low 70s – that's normal for late September, if you can believe it.
CBS New York
As for the rest of the week, it will remain unsettled with the stationary front off to our south. Then our eyes turn towards Debby as it interacts with the front.
The question at this point is, where exactly does the heavy rain fall? Over our area? Farther inland? Offshore? There's still a bit of uncertainty regarding all of this, so we'll need to monitor things closely.
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