Two cars were stranded beneath a flooded underpass on North Avenue in Owego on Tuesday evening as a State of Emergency was declared in Tioga County, N.Y. (Photo by Wendy Post)
The past couple of days have been a nail biter for most, as the heavy downpours and saturated grounds became reminiscent of the flooding of September 2011. Many from out of town that were scrolling through Facebook, witnessing the rising waters in the region, commented, “Not again.”
The community was bracing for the worst, and hoping for the best.
Governor Andrew Cuomo, who visited the region, declared a State of Emergency for the Southern Tier and portions of the Finger Lakes Region on Tuesday.
In Tioga County, Legislator Marte Sauerbrey also declared a State of Emergency Tuesday afternoon, and Sheriff Gary Howard urged residents to stay off the roads.
And with good reason! At approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday evening, water from the mountain that Carmichael Road and Dean Street in Owego run up was letting loose, pouring mud and debris like a waterfall onto North Avenue, and down into the flats in Owego.
A violent overflow of the Wapasening Creek caused flooding at Kirby Park in Nichols, N.Y. on Tuesday. Officials were on hand all day to keep an eye on the situation. By 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the water had lowered by a couple of feet. (Photo by Wendy Post)
The water moved swiftly, wreaking havoc on the homes and streets in that area. On the other end of George Street, water was coming up at the home of Michelle Anders, who already had her home elevated after the flooding of 2011.
At Hickories Park, river water swiftly inundated the entry bridge, forcing a complete closure of the park. It will remain closed until further notice.
In Apalachin, the church near Beach Street was almost washed away from flash flooding, even after some deterrents were put in place following the flooding in 2011; it wasn’t enough.
Beneath the underpass in Owego were two cars that ended up stranded in the murky waters. According to accounts at the scene Tuesday evening, the first car was driving through to get through the other side when a second car barreled through, causing the first vehicle to stall. Both vehicles were ultimately stranded until the waters receded overnight.
Fire police detoured traffic down Talcott Street and to Glenmary last night because of mud, debris, and flooding on North Avenue – to include the area surrounding the Department of Transportation.
The aftermath of the flooding in Troy, Pa. on Tuesday, where are sister paper, The Troy Pennysaver Plus is located. (Photo by Jennie Simon, Troy Pennysaver Plus)
In Nichols, N.Y., officials feel as though they dodge a bullet as the Wapasening Creek overflowed, but then rapidly drained later in the day into the Susquehanna.
In Broome County, things were much worse, with flooding on Court Street downtown, and overflow creating flash flooding.
Many homes, throughout the rain event, saw flooding in their basements, as residents continue to clean up damage from the heavy rains.
The Owego Pennysaver was out all day, covering flooding activity, and checking with officials to monitor conditions.
You can view live videos from area scenes, as well as coverage throughout, by Liking us on Facebook.
Be the first to comment on "Flash flooding, and the aftermath"