UPDATE: Rye Mayor French Says City in "Restore Mode"

Update, Sunday, 5:42 p.m.

Rye residents insisted on getting out of their houses to assess storm damage to their property as soon as possible. Most roads are passable though some area flooding persists.

Mayor Doug French had the following message for residents:

The City is now in restore mode although wind gusts and the soft ground continue to make for hazardous conditions until tonight.

The damage assessment for the City is significant as many areas including downtown were severely hit by flooding.

8 areas experienced power outages and the City is working with Con Edison to restore power, however buildings damaged by flood waters may require inspection before utilities are turned on.

The Police Dept. trailer will be located on Cedar Street starting at 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday to facilitate required inspections. An estimated 200 structures have been impacted including the Locust Ave. Firehouse.

The Whitby Castle temporary shelter is now closed and residents can go to Port Chester High School for overnight shelter if needed.

Regular garbage pickup will take place Monday and Tuesday, but in addition flood garbage and debris will be picked-up Tuesday and Wednesday if brought to curb-side.

Please continue to work with the City Officials and your neighbors as we all manage through this crisis.

Original Story

Though Hurricane Irene has weakened considerably, the now tropical storm event is causing major damage in flood-prone areas of Rye this Sunday morning. 

Mayor Doug French sent the following message this morning:

As the storm passes, major flooding and road closures continue throughout Rye.

People should not attempt to drive or walk through the flood waters.

Homes that have had their power turned off by Con Edison should wait for crews to come through to restore power. The City is working to schedule electrical inspections.

Whitby Castle remains open as a temporary shelter and Port Chester High School for overnight accommodations.

Further announcements via the reverse 911, Nixle service and media will be forthcoming.

Reports of flooding near the Rye YMCA have been confirmed. There is also flooding near Rye Golf Course and Milton Harbor, according to resident Amy Reissner. 

, there are currently limited outages in Rye Brook and the City of Rye. They report 207 households without power in Rye Brook with estimated restoration time of 12 p.m. today and 174 households in the City of Rye with power restored by 10 a.m. this morning.

Please send us information and photographs of flooding or power outages in Rye and Rye Brook.