Rain postpones Belmont races, cancels other area events

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Heavy rain throughout the Capital Region on Saturday has forced many area events to either be postponed or canceled, including races in the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Several roadways have also been shut down.

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival continues for another day at the Saratoga Race Course, but the New York Racing Association, Inc. has moved Saturday's turf races -- Race 3, Race 6, Race 10 and Race 14 -- to the main track due to the weather. Additionally, Race 9 -- Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur -- and Race 12 -- Grade 1, $1 million Resorts World Casino Manhattan -- will now be run on Sunday as Race 12 and Race 13, respectively.

The Belmont Stakes remains as previously scheduled, with a post time of 7:04 p.m. An updated menu of wagers and post times can be found on the New York Racing Association, Inc. website. Stay with NEWS10 as we cover the big race.

But racing fans are not the only ones facing scheduling changes due to Saturday's weather. Both the Ames Volunteer Fire Department and Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department in Montgomery County had to forgo scheduled parades, and the Albany Police Athletic League called off a Bike Rodeo with the Albany Police Department and the City School District of Albany, among several other cancellations.

Additionally, Howe Caverns had to shut down its cave on Saturday due to reported sudden flooding. According to the show cave facility, water levels rose eight feet in 45 minutes, "exploding" into the cave's Winding Way section.

The National Weather Service has placed much of the Capital Region under a flood watch due to the rain, and local authorities are advising the public to exercise caution while outside. Numerous roadways have also been shut down or flagged for hazardous conditions throughout the day, including in Albany County, Saratoga County and Montgomery County.

"Avoid driving through high and moving water and turn around to avoid any issues," the Albany Permanent Professional Firefighters Association Local 2007 said. "While the water may look shallow, it very well may not be."

Our meteorologists are continuing to monitor weather conditions. Looking for the conditions in your area? Make sure to check out the Albany NY Weather tab on the NEWS10 website. If you spot flooding near you or in your home, contact your local law enforcement's non-emergency line.

For road closures, check out NEWS10's traffic tracker. You can plan your route and see traffic delays in real-time!