The area has received an unprecedented amount of rain in the last 24 hours

UPDATE (12:45 p.m.): Additional States of Emergency Declared; Flood Watch Remains in Effect

Flooding continues to impact communities across the Capital Region as emergency crews respond to washed-out roads, flooded homes and storm damage.

According to the National Weather Service, the Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday. While some Flash Flood Warnings issued earlier in the day have expired, additional warnings remain in effect for portions of eastern New York as heavy rain continues moving through the region.

Since our original report, Columbia County has declared a countywide State of Emergency, with county officials urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Additional local States of Emergency have also been declared in Germantown, Cairo, Hunter and Amsterdam. In Cairo, travel restrictions remain in effect until further notice, while Town Hall is closed through Friday morning.

According to the National Weather Service, some of the hardest-hit communities have now received more than 9 inches of rain, making this one of the Capital Region's most significant rainfall events since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

Current Major Road Closures

According to the New York State Department of Transportation, the following state highways remain closed because of flooding:

• NY 9J between Knickerbocker Road and NY 150 in Schodack.
• NY 9J between Seaman Avenue and Hamilton Way in Schodack.
• NY 150 near Old Post Road in Schodack.
• NY 144 near the Coeymans/New Baltimore town line.
• NY 5 beneath Interstate 90 in Albany.
• U.S. Route 20 between Schoolhouse Road and Fuller Road in Guilderland.

Amtrak service between Albany-Rensselaer and New York City remains suspended because of flooding on the tracks.

Officials continue urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, obey all road closure signs and never drive around barricades. We'll continue updating this story as more information becomes available.

Torrential rain has caused widespread flooding across New York's Capital Region, leading to road closures, evacuations, power outages and numerous travel disruptions Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service, multiple Flash Flood Warnings remain in effect across portions of the Capital Region until at least 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. A broader Flood Watch remains in effect until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday as additional rounds of heavy rain and flooding remain possible.

The National Weather Service is urging residents to stay off the roads unless it's absolutely necessary, warning that flooding is occurring in many locations and conditions can change rapidly.

Areas Seeing the Biggest Impacts

Communities reporting significant flooding include:

• Albany
• Guilderland
• Rensselaer
• Schodack
• Nassau
• Kinderhook
• Waterford
• Amsterdam
• Coxsackie

Some locations have received 8 to 9 inches of rain, overwhelming storm drains, creeks and roadways.

Reported Road Closures & Trouble Spots

According to the New York State Department of Transportation, local police departments and municipal officials, flooding has closed or significantly impacted numerous roads across the Capital Region, including:

• Western Avenue between Schoolhouse Road and Fuller Road in Guilderland
• Fuller Road underpass, where vehicles have become stranded
• Portions of Central Avenue near the Fuller Road underpass
• Sections of Interstate 90
• Sections of Interstate 787
• Route 9J
• Additional local roads throughout Rensselaer County, Columbia County and surrounding communities have become impassable due to floodwaters.

Officials continue to remind drivers:

Turn Around, Don't Drown. Never drive through a flooded roadway—it only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep away a vehicle.

Evacuations & Emergency Declarations

Emergency crews have responded to multiple water rescues throughout the region.

According to local officials:

• Evacuations were ordered for residents near Sixth Street in Rensselaer.
• Rensselaer County has declared a State of Emergency.
• Coxsackie has also declared a State of Emergency as flooding continued.

Closures & Cancellations

Flooding has also forced several closures across the region.

According to local officials:

• Saratoga Race Course canceled Wednesday's live racing because of flooding and unsafe conditions.
• Multiple Capital Region school districts canceled summer school and recreation programs.
• Some municipal offices are operating with limited staffing because of hazardous travel conditions.
• Amtrak has temporarily suspended service between Albany-Rensselaer and New York City due to flooding on the tracks. 

Before You Head Out

Officials recommend:

• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Never drive around barricades.
• Watch for flooded underpasses.
• Be alert for downed trees and power lines.
• Check with your local municipality or police department for the latest road closures before traveling.

This is a developing story. We'll continue updating this article as additional road closures, emergency declarations and travel information become available.