PIERMONT, NY — A sudden squall swept through Piermont on Tuesday, June 10, offering a dramatic display of nature’s power and leaving residents and photographers in awe. Incredible photos captured by Karen Ryan Lacker show the sharp shift in weather, showcasing the intensity of the squall as dark clouds rolled over the Hudson River and powerful winds lashed the shoreline.

A squall is defined as a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed lasting several minutes—distinct from a mere wind gust, which typically lasts only seconds. These short-lived but intense events are often linked to active weather systems such as rain showers or thunderstorms.

Meteorologists explain that squalls like this are common in the Hudson Valley region during transitional seasons, especially late spring and early summer. They often catch people off guard due to their speed and intensity, making weather awareness especially important.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – We look back at a historic moment in Hudson River and Rockland County maritime history — the final run of the PS Alexander Hamilton on September 6, 1971, as it passed beneath the iconic Tappan Zee Bridge.

The PS Alexander Hamilton, a proud steamer of the famed Hudson River Day Line, was launched in 1924 and served as a symbol of elegance and innovation in passenger river travel for nearly five decades. Named after Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, the vessel was a beloved fixture on the Hudson River, offering scenic cruises and daily service to generations of New Yorkers and tourists.

After 47 years of service, the steamer made its last journey in 1971 — a moment now etched in local history and captured in a rare photograph by John Vomvoris. The photo shows the graceful ship steaming along the Hudson one last time, a poignant image for riverboat enthusiasts and historians alike.

In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, the PS Alexander Hamilton was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 25, 1977. Though it no longer sails, its legacy lives on as a cherished piece of Hudson River maritime heritage.