Governor David A. Paterson has proclaimed the week of April
27 - May 3, 2008 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in the
Empire
State.
Of all
the weather hazards which confront New Yorkers, flooding
poses the greatest threat to lives and property. On
July 8th,
1998,
two people died in Attica when a flash flood swept through
the
Genesee
County
community. Flash flooding also occurred just 12 days
earlier, on June 26th, along the Cattaraugus
Creek from Arcade in Wyoming County, through Gowanda, to
Sunset Bay by the Lake Erie shore. The flooding prompted
a Federal Disaster Declaration for several counties. Both
events were caused by torrential rain from slow moving
thunderstorms.
Excessive rainfall in the spring and summer of 2004
caused widespread flooding over much of New York. Roads
and driveways were washed out. Some homes were destroyed
by mudslides and others were heavily damaged. There were
large financial losses to agriculture as fields and
orchards were saturated. Particularly hard hit was
Naples, Ontario County on May 20-21. In all, over a dozen
counties were declared eligible for federal and state
disaster public assistance funds.
Widespread flooding also occurred in Western and
Central New York
in January, 1998 resulting in still another Federal
Disaster Declaration. This flooding was the result of
heavy rain combining with a rapid snowmelt from
unseasonably warm weather.
Also, New Yorkers will never forget the loss of life and
the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Agnes in June,
1972. And in 1999, Topical Storm Floyd caused extensive
flood damage in eastern New York when 13 inches of rain
fell.
When
looking at previous flood events in
New
York,
one can see that flooding is a serious threat at any time
of year. If you live in a flood prone area, you must
always be prepared.
National Weather Service forecasters routinely monitor
river levels, rainfall and snowfall in New York. Whenever
there's a threat that rainfall and/or snowmelt will cause
flooding, a Flood Watch would be issued.
You
should be prepared for the possibility of flooding
whenever a Flood Watch is in effect. Make sure your
vehicle has a full tank of gas. The potential loss of
electricity would make gasoline pumps inoperable. Know
your evacuation routes in advance in case you have to
leave the area. Make arrangements for a place to stay if
you are forced to leave your home, whether at a shelter or
a relative's
home.
In the home, keep a stock of food which requires no
cooking or refrigeration. Once again, the potential loss
of electricity or natural gas service will spoil
perishable foods. Store drinking water in containers or a
clean bathtub, about a gallon per person per day for up to
four days.
The National Weather Service will issue a Flood or Flash
Flood Warning whenever flooding is either occurring or is
imminent.
You must act quickly when a Flash Flood Warning is in
effect for your community. If you live near a river or
stream, move to higher ground, but never drive across a
flooded road. The water may be hiding a road washout, or
the current may be strong enough to sweep your vehicle
away. If your car stalls, leave it immediately and move
to higher ground. Finally, be especially cautious at
night since it's harder to recognize flood dangers.
Unfortunately, many flash floods occur at night when it is
tougher to see.
www.nws.noaa.gov 
