New York officials want to address public safety planning for hurricanes and tropical storms as well as other extreme weather events through the first study on the issue since 2009. 

The study comes nearly two years after the remnants of a hurricane deluged parts of New York state, leading to flash floods around the metropolitan region. 

The study will predominantly address hurricane and tropical storm planning in the New York City and Mid-Hudson regions, addressing transportation concerns as well as demographic and socioeconomic factors. 

"New Yorkers know all too well the devastating impacts tropical storms and hurricanes can bring to our coastal and inland communities along the Mid-Hudson to the eastern tip of Long Island, and everywhere in-between," Governor Hochul said. "My number one priority is keeping New Yorkers safe, and we will work together with our federal partners and local governments to ensure our communities and their emergency managers have the knowledge, resources and tools necessary to prepare for future storms."

State officials are addressing, in part, the concerns over the effect flash floods have in low income communities as many of the victims of the 2021 floods were living in garden-level apartments. 

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will be working with federal officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Hurricane Center to develop the study. 

"Hurricanes and tropical storms are powerful events that cause coastal and inland flooding and dangerously high winds that too often result in the loss of life and significant infrastructure destruction, widespread power outages, and disruptions to communities," New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said. "Over the next few years, we'll be working hand in glove with your local emergency managers to update evacuation routes and plans that help keep you safe in the event of an oncoming dangerous tropical storm."