Steuben County points non-essential journey advisory on account of flooding

The Steuben County Office of Emergency Management issued a non-essential journey advisory efficient 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 31.

Due to extreme rainfall, a number of state, county and native roads are impassable, acknowledged emergency officers.

Flooding is affecting roadways within the cities of Dansville, Fremont, Cohocton, Avoca, Wheeler, Prattsburgh, Urbana, Pulteney, Wayne and Wayland., in response to the county. The Town of Prattsburgh declared a State of Emergency on account of highway circumstances and issued a non-essential journey advisory till additional discover.

First responders and freeway crews are assessing damages and responding to varied emergency calls.

Road closures in Steuben County on account of storm

• County Route 121 from I-390 to Loon Lake – Town of Cohocton
• County Route 50 between Ward Rd. and Lander Rd. – Town of Wayland
• East Lake Road at Reynolds Rd. – Town of Wayland
• County Route 122 between Porter St. and Fairgrounds Rd. – Town of Prattsburgh
• County Route 7 between West Creek Rd. and Wraight Rd. – Town of Prattsburgh
• County Route 9 from Wallace to Ingleside
• Pressler Rd. – Town of Prattsburgh
• Cook School Rd. between Mattoon Rd. and County Route 7 – Town of Prattsburgh

“Steuben County Office of Emergency Services is strongly advising that residents avoid non-essential travel,” acknowledged Steuben County officers. “Help us keep the roads clear for responders to operate.  Call 911 ONLY for Emergencies. Report wire calls to your local utility.

“Additional flooding could happen in a single day as further rains fall.”

Allegany County issues travel advisory, state of emergency

Neighboring Allegany County also issued a travel advisory shortly before 7 p.m. followed by a state of emergency at 9:30 p.m. as widespread flooding hit the northern end of the county, including the Canaseraga, Swain and Houghton areas.

“This native State of Emergency has been declared due to extreme climate … together with heavy rain inflicting widespread flooding, hazardous journey, and a number of highway closures,” stated W. Brooke Harris, Chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators.

“These harmful circumstances are anticipated to proceed by the night time and the subsequent a number of days, and have already and will proceed to trigger widespread harm and threaten public security.”

The Town of Burns also declared a State of Emergency Tuesday. Sikes, Monaghan, Freiner Hill, North Hill and Big Hollow roads were especially hard-hit, noted the town.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch through Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. that includes Allegany and Livingston counties. More showers and possible thunderstorms were forecasted for Tuesday night and into early Wednesday morning. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. 

“Multiple rounds of showers and embedded thunderstorms proceed by tonight which can lead to 1″ to 1.5″, with localized quantities of two” if thunderstorms repeat over the same area,” acknowledged the National Weather Service. “Excess runoff from this rainfall may cause area waterways to reach or exceed bankfull stage. General flooding away from area waterways will also be possible during this timeframe, especially in typical low-lying and poor drainage areas.”

“Heavy rain is causing widespread flooding, hazardous travel conditions, and multiple road closures across the area,” acknowledged the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office. “These dangerous conditions are expected to continue through the night and into the next several days.

“Motorists are urged to make use of excessive warning if journey is important. Never drive by a flooded roadway — water depth may be deceiving, highway surfaces could also be washed out, and only a small quantity of transferring water can carry a car away.”

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The Sheriff’s Office urged motorists to follow safety precautions:

• Slow down and allow extra travel time
• Watch for flooded roads, washed out shoulders, and debris
• Obey all road closure signs and barricades
• Turn around and find an alternate route if you encounter standing water
• If you do not need to travel, stay off the roads whenever possible
• Continue to monitor local forecasts and emergency alerts for updates

This is a growing story. Check again for updates.