Severe Flooding Strikes Upstate New York

Heavy rain has caused severe flooding across the state. Here’s the latest update on the storm’s impact:

One Rescued from Flooded Home, Three Saved from Submerged Vehicle in Steuben County, NY

On a busy day for first responders, the Swift Water Rescue Team from the Bath Volunteer Fire Department successfully conducted two rescues on Friday.

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The team was dispatched to southern Steuben County, which experienced significant flash flooding as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby brought several inches of rain to the area on Friday morning.

In the town of Jasper, near state Route 36 and county Route 21, the team rescued an individual trapped in a flooded home and brought them to safety.

Additionally, in the Canisteo area on county Route 119 near the county Route 14 intersection, the team rescued three people who had climbed onto the roof of their submerged pickup truck. They were safely transported to the bank of the creek by the Bath Swift Water Rescue Team, according to Public Information Officer John Conrad Sr.

Due to the heavy rainfall on Friday, Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione is advising boaters to exercise caution on Canandaigua Lake. The storm has introduced substantial debris into the lake, creating navigational hazards. Crews are currently working to remove large floating debris, Cirencione reported.

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On a positive note, the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association indicated that harmful algal blooms have decreased significantly, with no confirmed blooms since August 3. However, flooding in some areas remains an issue due to Tropical Storm Debby.

Watershed staff are inspecting sites for flood impacts caused by the storm. In preparation for the anticipated rain, the Canandaigua Water Resource Recovery Facility opened both outlet gates and the feeder canal gate on Thursday morning. As of Friday afternoon, the lake level was at 688.33 feet, slightly below the desired level of 688.50 feet.

Residents are advised to avoid wading or swimming in water that appears cloudy, discolored, or has an odor.

Naples: 'It Was Like a Monsoon'

Sally Gardner, like many others in Naples and Ontario County, received flood watch alerts. With Naples Creek flowing just a few hundred feet behind her East Avenue home, she braced herself for the worst when she woke up at 6 a.m. on Friday.

As the morning went on, Gardner described the rainfall as feeling “like a monsoon coming down.” 

By early Friday afternoon, as the rain lessened and the sun began to emerge, Naples Creek had “burst its banks,” flooding her backyard and those of several neighbors. In some areas, the water was estimated to be a foot deep.

In other parts of Naples, torrents of water carrying debris surged from waterfalls through Grimes Glen Park towards the village. Similar floods rushed down hills toward the Woodville area of Naples, leaving debris along and on state Route 21 as it approached the village.

“I was concerned about the other houses,” Gardner said after checking in with her neighbors. While she was relieved to find that many were doing fine, she admitted that seeing so much water rise so quickly toward the homes was shocking.

“Now that I know everyone is safe, it’s a bit exciting,” Gardner added.

The Steuben County Office of Emergency Management declared a state of emergency on Friday and advised residents to avoid all unnecessary travel until further notice, as several roads in the county are impassable. The state of emergency will remain in effect until conditions improve.

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Evacuations have been ordered for the hamlet of Woodhull, the Village of Addison, and the hamlet of Jasper. Flash flooding upstream has damaged property and poses a threat to residents downstream in Woodhull and Addison. All residents along Tuscarora Creek between Woodhull and Addison are urged to seek higher ground immediately.

In Jasper, evacuations are prompted by leaking propane storage tanks due to the flash floods. Residents of Jasper and those living within a half-mile radius should evacuate the area.

A Red Cross shelter is being established at the Corning-Painted Post High School Fieldhouse.

The Town of Greenwood has also declared a town-wide state of emergency, prohibiting all traffic.

Flood and Flash Flood Warnings for Rochester, NY Region

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a flood warning for Monroe, Ontario, Livingston, Wayne, and Allegany counties until 6:45 p.m. Friday, with imminent or ongoing flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas.

A flash flood warning is also in effect for parts of Steuben, Yates, Chemung, and Schuyler counties until 3:30 p.m. Friday due to the risk of flash floods from heavy rainfall.

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Storm Impacting NY Airports: Check Flight Status

Heavy rain and storm-related weather are causing flight disruptions at major New York City area airports on Friday. While most flights at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport are operating on schedule, there are several delays affecting flights to and from Rochester.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo reports that the area east of the Genesee River is expected to experience the heaviest rainfall and highest risk of flooding. 

Southeastern corners of Ontario and Allegany counties could receive between 3 to 4 inches of heavy rain on Friday, potentially leading to flooding and flash floods.

Much of the Rochester region, including most of Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Orleans, and Genesee counties, is anticipated to receive 2 to 3 inches of rain.