ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a State of Emergency Tuesday afternoon for Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schulyer, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Wayne, Yates, and contiguous counties through August 21.
The Governor made the announcement after surveying flooded areas and damaged property in Seneca and Broome counties. The storms, which are continuing to make their way slowly from west to east across the state, may cause additional flash flooding and New Yorkers are urged to prepare for potential extreme and unpredictable weather.
At the Governor’s direction, the State Emergency Operations Center has been elevated to a Level 3 and additional agencies have been deployed to assist with logistics, transportation and technical rescue, and to coordinate any response efforts in impacted counties. Regional emergency response teams are activated and are in close contact with community leaders and emergency responders. State agencies are mobilizing resources and personnel for flash flooding issues from heavy downpours in areas across the state that that have experienced an abundance of recent rainstorms.
“I want to make this point as serious as a heart attack: floods are nothing to play with,” Governor Cuomo said. “As flash flooding continues to threaten communities across the state, I have declared a State of Emergency for counties in Central New York, the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier. I commend all of our brave first responders who are assisting communities impacted by this extreme weather. It’s times like these, when things are at their worst, that New Yorkers are at their best.”
Showers and thunderstorms with locally heavy rain will continue this afternoon across parts of the Finger Lakes, Central New York, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region south of Albany, Mid-Hudson Valley and New York City. Rainfall in excess of 1 inch per hour is possible and could cause hazardous driving conditions from ponding on roadways. Flash flood watches and warnings have been issued for many areas of the state.
A storm system will continue throughout the day moving west to east bringing with it heavy downpours. This rain combined with the already wet conditions may cause flash flooding of small streams and in areas that have already had recent heavy rain storms. Ponding of water on roads is also expected at times. Flash Flood Watches and Warnings have been issued in several areas of the state. For a detailed list of weather watches and warnings visit the National Weather Service website.
Senator Pam Helming said, “Working with Governor Cuomo, we have mobilized all available State resources to assist those impacted by recent flooding. The brave efforts of local volunteer firefighters and first responders have undoubtedly saved lives. As State Senator, I will continue to work closely with Governor Cuomo, local officials, and first responders to get the help we need to protect lives and property. I appreciate Governor Cuomo’s focus and immediate response to this dangerous situation. Please continue to keep all affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”