Forecasters say more than inch of rain could fall on St. Lawrence County by Saturday morning, and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today directed state agencies to prepare for flooding throughout the state.

Cuomo also urged all residents to take actions to ensure they are ready for heavy rains.

According to the National Weather Service, between a quarter and half of an inch possible or rain is possible both this afternoon and again tonight in St. Lawrence County.

Friday, between a tenth and quarter of an inch of precipitation is possible, forecasters say. Friday night and Saturday morning, rain and snow showers are expected.

Rain could be heavy at times, and the combination of snowmelt and heavy rainfall could cause moderate flooding to already swollen rivers and streams, low lying areas, and areas with poor drainage, Cuomo said.

“With heavy rain in the forecast, I am directing state agencies to prepare for potential flooding and I urge New Yorkers to exercise caution and stay safe,” Cuomo said. “New Yorkers should be ready for the possibility of hazardous travel conditions and state agencies will be on alert and be prepared to assist communities across the state if the need arises.”

Cuomo has directed the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Department of Environmental Conservation, State Police, New York State Parks, and other state agencies to prepare staff, assets and stockpiles to support response efforts that may arise during the current flood watches and warnings across the state. The State Watch Center and Emergency Operations Center began to operate in enhanced monitoring at 8 a.m. today.

The State’s nine regional stockpiles are each prepared with a sandbagging machine, generators, pumps and hoses and there are over 768,000 fillable sandbags state-wide. The Division’s swift water rescue teams: New York Task Force-2, Urban Search and Rescue Teams, boats, and high axle vehicles are prepared for deployment. Additionally, 20,000 sandbags and a sandbagging machine have already been deployed to Oneida County, to be shared with Herkimer County, as a precautionary measure.

All State Police assets, including 4x4s, high axle vehicles and boats are ready for deployment, he said. Four airboats and four Zodiac boats have been paired regionally with swift water trained rescue diving teams throughout the state. Troopers have been instructed to remain on high alert and to closely monitor flood prone areas for rising waters while on patrol.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is closely monitoring the weather and has plans and personnel in place for potential flooding. DEC has emergency vehicles and equipment, including 4x4 vehicles, Utility Task Vehicles, boats, and other flood-related equipment prepped and ready to be deployed as needed across the state as needed.

The state Department of Transportation is preparing for high water by readying equipment and staff who will conduct flood watches, monitor bridges as water rises, and respond as needed, Cuomo said. DOT crews have been actively working to clear culverts and drainage basins to help ensure they flow freely.

Cuomo urged New Yorkers to pay special attention to the following safety information:

Flood Safety Preparedness:

• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry. Develop and practice a family escape plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.

• Program emergency numbers into the phones of each household member.

• Make an itemized list – as well as potential photo and video documentation -- of all valuables, including furnishings, clothing, and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.

• Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine, first aid supplies, and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.

• Have a plan for your pets.

• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and emergency cooking equipment available.

• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

• Find out how the location of your property relates to possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.

• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber handy for emergency water-proofing.

• Check your insurance coverage. Homeowners’ insurance policies generally do not cover flood damages. Only flood insurance can protect your home against flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance whether or not you live in a mapped flood zone.

Travel Precautions during a Flood

During flash flooding, your vehicle can be the biggest danger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.

• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.

• Driving through 6 inches of standing water can cause cars to lose control and stall.

• Do not underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water. A foot of rushing water can carry away a small car and it takes just two feet of fast-moving flood water to carry away most vehicles including SUVs and pick-up trucks. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

• Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.

• If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

Flood Safety During a Flood:

• Monitor the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Radio or your local radio and TV station broadcasts for information.

• If local officials advise evacuation, do so promptly. If you are directed to a specific location, go there.

• Know where shelters are located.

• As a precaution prior to any flood, check basement drains to make sure they are clear and energized wires are off the floor. If flooding of a home or business has already occurred, contact your utility companies to have electricity and natural gas service turned off. In the event of flooding, never attempt to turn off electricity and natural gas service. Stay out of flooded basements. Energized wiring or outlets below the water line may pose a hazard; natural gas service in a flooded basement may also pose a danger.

• Bring outside possessions, including lawn furniture, garbage cans, and other movable objects, inside the house, or tie them down securely.

• If there is time, move essential items and furniture to upper floors in the house.

• Disconnect electrical appliances that cannot be moved. DO NOT touch them if you are wet or standing in water.

• Secure your home by locking all doors and windows.