Suffolk County storm damage: Gov. Kathy Hochul declares Disaster Emergency after record rainfall, flooding [Video]

SUFFOLK COUNTY, New York (WABC) — Relief could be coming soon for communities and homeowners on Long Island devastated by record rainfall from last weekend’s storm.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on Friday, declaring a Disaster Emergency for Suffolk County.

The major storm event resulted in severe flooding to homes, businesses and institutions, damaged roads and caused the breach of two local dams.

Hochul also announced that she will submit a request for a federal Emergency Declaration from President Joe Biden to help support response and recovery operations in the county.

The federal Emergency Declaration would allow FEMA to provide reimbursement for operational expenses like debris removal, sheltering, evacuations, search and rescues and actions to help mitigate the threat of storms on critical infrastructure.

“We are working around the clock to ensure that impacted residents and municipalities are able to rebuild after this devastating flooding event,” Hochul said. “Protecting New Yorkers is my top priority, …