MAYVILLE – With Chautauqua County expected to receive heavy rain and rising temperatures today, local and state officials are reminding residents to be prepared for potential flooding.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Flood Watch for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Northern Erie, Orleans, Southern Erie and Wyoming Counties from Thursday morning through early Saturday morning. Heavy rain and snow melt are expected, which may result in ice jam flooding.
County executive George Borrello is urging residents and motorists to be prepared for issues related to flooding and to use caution. Borrello said the county’s Department of Emergency Services, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Public Facilities are all monitoring the flood prone areas of the County, especially Cattaraugus Creek in the north county, and are ready to respond if needed.
During flooding, individuals should avoid walking or driving through floodwater. The deeper the moving water, the greater the threat, with even as little as six inches of fast-flowing water being enough to knock someone over, while two feet of fast-flowing water will carry away most vehicles.
Residents and motorists should also avoid areas of Pooling Flood Water and be mindful of Contaminated Water and Food that has come in contact with flood water.
For more information, please contact the Environmental Health Division of the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services at (716) 753-4489 or visit www.co.chautauqua.ny.us/health.
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