Heavy rains trigger floods, rescues and historic mill loss in upstate New York

Over a 48-hour period, Columbia and Rensselaer counties received about 30 cm of rain, and the state capital saw roughly 20 cm, according to one outlet Weather Service. The deluge caused flash floods that inundated roadways, farmlands and residential basements, prompting first responders in Albany and surrounding towns to conduct water rescues and pump operations. In Castleton-on-Hudson, a neighbor warned grist-mill owner Andy Klein of rising waters before a nearby creek overflowed, flooding his property up to four feet deep and destroying the mill’s oldest structure.

The incident also damaged the village’s water plant, leading officials to issue a boil-water advisory and urge reduced water usage. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and flood levels were already declining by Thursday morning. Similar rain-related flooding was reported in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.