We are certainly seeing the impacts of Irene already today and there is more rain expected as the day continues. If you are concerned about power outages, National Grid has a site with an outage map. Local officials are suggesting you stay home to avoid the danger of downed trees, power lines, and flooding. Be safe! Email us your photos of damage - downed trees, flooding, etc. Many counties in our coverage area are under a Flash Flood Warning, a Flash Flood Watch, and the entire broadcast area is under a Tropical Storm Warning. Stay tuned to the radio and also download our app radioPup for your smartphone to keep up to date. Updated information after the jump.

UPDATED AT 9:15 p.m.

The Town of Niskayuna has ordered an evacuation for people who live in "low-lying" areas near the Mohawk River. The main areas that are effected are River Street (off of Williams Street), Rosendale Road (river side), Niska-Isle, Lock 7 Road (river side),  and River Street (off of Williams Street).

The state of emergency that was declared fr Albany County has been lifted, but it's still recommended to stay off the roads, and not travel unless completely necessary. If you live in the hill towns including Coeymans and New Scotland, you still need to be should be cautious of flash flooding.

 

UPDATED AT 5:10 p.m.

We have some more shelters that have opened up - Tsawasa Fire Department in Rensselaer County and the Italian Community Center 1450 5th Avenue in Troy, South Schenectady Fire Department, 6 Old Mariaville Road.

People in The Village of Delanson have a boil water advisory is in effect.

As a precaution with all the problems on the roads, it's a good idea to just stay where you are and stay off the roads.

 

UPDATED AT 12:35 p.m.

There have been some shelters set up in parts of our area - ALBANY - Albany High School gymnasium and auditorium – 700 Washington Avenue, Sheridan Prep – 400 Sheridan Avenue, Albany School of Humanities (ASH) 108 Whitehall Road and Saint Theresa's Church – 435 New Scotland Avenue.

The Town of Ballston Town Hall, 323 Charlton Road

West Glens Falls fire department located at 22 Luzurne Road in Queensbury. Food and beverages will be available to those who need to stay.

For people in Columbia County: New Lebanon Fire House, Hillsdale Fire Dept. Rt. 22,  Copake Community Center, 283 Mountain View Road, Copake, West Taghkanic Fire Department, 631 Old State Route 82, Craryville, Churchtown Fire Department, 2219 County Route 27, Claverack/Hudson, St. Joseph's Center, Rt. 9 Valatie and TriVillage Fire Dept. Rt. 13.


UPDATED AT 10:25 a.m.

Some parts of the Albany area are now under a state of emergency. They are the cities of Albany and Schenectady, town of Colonie, Coeymans, Village of Ravena, Columbia and Rensselaer Counties.

No unnecessary travel for people in North Greenbush, Colonie and city of Schenectady. In Schenectady, emergency vehicles only.

Power outages reaching 100 thousand.

UPDATED at 9:AM

Irene is now officially a tropical storm, no longer a hurricane. The storm is currently passing over New York City and although we have already seen several inches of rain we will be seeing more as the storm continues. So far there is some flooding with more expected as the day continued. The Mohawk River and Hudson River won't crest for a few days, however smaller rivers and streams will be impacted today. Schenectady County has thus far been the most impacted by power outages but they are widespread in the Albany area. North Greenbush and Colonie have both issues states of emergency and are suggesting no traveling. The Battenkill is expected to flood in Greenwich later today. The Schoharie Creek in Prattsville, and the Hoosic River in Eagle Bridge are also expected to flood by this evening.

UPDATED AT 1:55 p.m.

Here are some more shelters that have been set up for people in Schoharie County- Middleburgh Elementary School, Schoharie Elementary/High School, Richmondville Lutheran Church, West Fulton Fire House, Jefferson Fire House,Carlisle Fire House,  and the Esperance Elks.

Keep watching WGNA.com for updates.


 


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