Gov. Kathy Hochul warns of heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Debby at a press conference Tuesday, Aug. 6. (Provided photo — Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

With the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby expected to bring heavy rain and potential river and flash flooding in eastern New York today — including the southern and eastern Adirondacks, Gov. Kathy Hochul put out a warning to New Yorkers.

With rainfall anticipated to start midday, the governor’s office said that the North Country is expected to see 3 to 5 inches of rain by tonight as Debby merges with another storm system.

Robert Haynes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service station in Burlington, Vermont, said this rain should be slightly less than when Hurricane Beryl swept through the region on July 10. That rain washed out roads and sent a group of campers on the Boquet River scrambling for higher ground as the river entered their campsite while they slept.

The Tri-Lakes is expected to get less rain than other ares of the North Country, because of its geography, Haynes said. In Saranac Lake, the NWS is predicting a bit more than 1.5 inches of rain, because the High Peaks to the south shadow the town. Tupper Lake is predicted to get a little more rain, and Lake Placid is expected to get around the same as Saranac Lake.

Haynes described this coming storm as a “one-two punch” with some rain on Thursday night, then fast and heavy rain on Friday — but without much precipitation in between. This will be the result of a low pressure system to the northwest funneling moisture to this region, he said.

State Department of Environmental Conservation staff are on alert for this storm, patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather and with swift water rescue teams positioned to assist with any emergency response.

“With the potential for heavy rains, hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails and trails that cross rivers and streams,” a news release from Hochul’s office reads.

Flood watches have been issued for many areas of the state through Saturday, meaning those areas have the potential ingredients for flooding.

Heavy rain may cause flooding of urban or poor-drainage areas, as well as flash floods and river flooding, according to Hochul’s office.

Further downstate, more severe storms with damaging winds and brief tornadoes are forecasted.

The state is mobilizing thousands of staff across numerous state agencies, thousands of vehicles and lots of equipment in anticipation of the mess the storm will create.

DOT and Thruway Authority crews are proactively checking and clearing drains and culverts across the state, particularly in areas impacted by recent floods and severe weather events.

“As we prepare for flood conditions, it is critical that New Yorkers monitor their local forecasts and take proper precautions,” Hochul said in a statement.

The National Weather Service puts weather alerts out online at alerts.weather.gov. New York also has an emergency alert system at alert.ny.gov.

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org.

With thunder and lightning predicted in this storm, the state provided some safety tips.

“If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately,” a news release from Hochul’s office reads.

Shelter should not include small sheds, isolated trees or convertible automobiles. Hard top automobiles with the windows up count.

Boaters should leave the water.

If outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. If in the woods, take shelter under short trees.

“If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; place your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible; and minimize your contact with the ground,” a news release from Hochul’s office reads.

The state recommends not using telephones or any electrical appliance, not taking a bath or shower and turning off air conditioners because power surges from lightning can overload compressors.

For more safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.