India, June 23 -- Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across 32 New York counties on Sunday, in response to severe thunderstorms and an impending multi-day heatwave, according to a state press release. The storms, which struck early Sunday, caused widespread damage, including downed trees, power outages affecting approximately 50,000 residents, and structural damage across the North Country, Central New York, Southern Tier, and Capital District.

With heavy rain and extreme heat forecast through Wednesday, state agencies are mobilized to address flash flooding risks and ensure public safety.

The storms delivered rainfall rates of up to two inches per hour, with an additional two to four inches expected, particularly in Ce...