The past week has 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 photos of 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 on Tuesday, 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.
Further down on George Street in Owego, water was coming up at the home of Michelle Anders, who already had her home elevated after the flooding of 2011.
In Nichols, N.Y., a violent overflow of the Wapasening Creek caused flooding at Kirby Park 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.
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 water. 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 that night because of mud, debris, and flooding on North Avenue – to include the area surrounding the Department of Transportation.
Back in Nichols, officials feel as though they dodged 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.
By mid-week, the governor deployed the National Guard and equipment to affected areas to assist with the clean up, to include Broome County, and Seneca County in the Finger Lakes, where the Town of Lodi was hit hard.
Because of this widespread damage, the Red Cross set up shelters at various locations throughout Broome, Tioga and Seneca counties. By Thursday, most of the emergency shelters were closed.
Many homes, throughout the week also saw flooding in their basements, leading to the continued clean up from the heavy rains.
If one thing can be learned from the heavy rain and threats for flooding, it is that the water doesn’t necessarily flood in the same place every time. Water will travel down the easiest path, so flash flooding makes it hard to predict when it’s time to stay away or evacuate.
If traveling, you should visit 511NY.org for up-to-date traffic information.
To stay informed on the weather and any rain forecast for the region, visit https://www.weather.gov/bgm/.
The Owego Pennysaver was out in the community, covering flood activity and checking with officials to monitor conditions.
You can view live videos from area scenes, as well as coverage throughout, by Following us on Facebook.
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