Debby spurs flash flood warning in Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler counties
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for western Chemung and Schuyler counties and all of Steuben and Yates counties Friday morning as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby move through New York state.
The flash flood warning was in effect until 3:30 p.m.
Up to an inch of rain had already fallen across parts of the area by 9:30 a.m., with flash flooding “ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters expect flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
Steuben County declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon banning unnecessary travel due to widespread flash flooding and dangerous road conditions.
Southern Steuben County was hit hard by flash flooding with the hamlets of Jasper and Woodhull ordered to evacuate, along with the southside of the Village of Addison along the Tuscarora Creek. All residents along the Tuscarora Creek between Woodhull and Addison were urged to head to higher ground immediately.
A little after 5 p.m., the county ordered the additional evacuation of the hamlet of Campbell.
“Observations and river gauges indicate that (the) Cohocton River will reach moderate flood stage, placing multiple feet of water within the hamlet of Campbell and areas along the Cohocton River on County Route 125 and Savona Campbell Road,” stated the Office of Emergency Management.
“All residents in the hamlet of Campbell and those along the Cohocton River on County Route 125 and Savona Campbell Road between Savona and Campbell should evacuate immediately.”
The Chemung River in Corning was forecasted to peak in the action stage at 23.7 feet, while in Elmira it is expected to peak at 10.5 feet, also below the minor flood stage, according to NOAA.
More:State of emergency in Steuben County. Jasper, Woodhull ordered to evacuate
Evacuation orders lifted in Canisteo, Addison, Campbell
Steuben County lifted the evacuation orders for the villages of Addison and Canisteo at 6:30 p.m., allowing residents to return to their homes.
While flood waters have receded, portions of many roads in the area remain closed, so residents are urged to exercise extreme caution in their travels, the county said.
“When residents reach their home, if their natural gas service is not functioning, they are advised to call their natural gas provider,” advised the county. “If residents smell the odor of natural gas, they should not enter the building, and should call 911 immediately.”
The evacuation order for Campbell was lifted at 7:30 p.m. as the threat for severe flooding has passed.
The evacuation orders for the hamlets of Jasper and Woodhull remain in effect, as primary access roads remain closed.
These Steuben County roads closed under emergency order
Portions of 10 roads in Steuben County have been closed under an emergency order following extensive flash flooding in the southern part of the county.
The county issued the following road closures Saturday morning:
- County Route 14 – From Cochrane Road to Turnpike Road and from County Route 69 to County Route 119
- County Route 119 – From County Route 10 to County Route 27 and from County Route 128 to State Route 36
- County Route 31 – From State Route 36 (northern intersection) to County Route 63
- County Route 71 – All
- County Route 28 – From State Route 248 to County Route 64
- County Route 84 – From Hillard Road to Tombs Road
- County Route 129 – County Route 82 to Washington Street
- County Route 21 – From County Route 102 to Hubbard Road
- County Route 126 – From State Route 417 to Reiman Road
- State Route 248 – From Slate Creek Rd to Fall Creek Rd
- State Route 36 – From Canisteo (Willow Bend) South to Gravel Run
- State Route 417 – At Bordens Bridge
A travel advisory remains in place for the towns of Canisteo, Jasper, Greenwood, Woodhull and Cameron. Residents must avoid unnecessary travel in these towns, the county said.
Emergency responders, public works, and cleanup crews are actively working in these areas.
How to get help if you’re displaced, or have home damage
A Red Cross shelter is being established at the Corning-Painted Post High School Fieldhouse. Addison Central School District buses were transporting impacted residents to the shelter Friday.
Another shelter “open to all individuals and families in need of essential services” has been established at Hornell High School located at 134 Seneca St. in Hornell.
Steuben County encourages residents with damages in need of assistance to reach out to the 211 Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 and providing their address, contact information and type of damages. Individuals will be connected with the appropriate community service organization that can assess with their needs.
WATCH:Dramatic videos capture intense flooding across Steuben County, Canisteo, upstate NY
Southern Tier flood stage forecasts
Click here for a complete map of National Weather Service river gauges in the region.
— This story may be updated as more information is available. You can also follow along with our live storm blog here.
