Buffalo, NY – A Flood Watch has been issued for much of western and central New York from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon as rising temperatures and rainfall accelerate snowmelt, increasing the risk of flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, the affected areas include Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, and several western counties such as Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, and Ontario. The watch comes as a storm system moving from the central plains into the Great Lakes brings unseasonably warm temperatures and rainfall.
Temperatures are expected to reach the 50s across the region on Tuesday and Wednesday, with overnight temperatures remaining above freezing. Combined with a half-inch of rainfall, this rapid snowmelt is likely to cause significant rises in local rivers, creeks, and streams, potentially leading to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Areas prone to ice jams will face an elevated risk of flooding.
Residents in flood-prone areas should remain vigilant, monitor weather updates, and be prepared for potential flood warnings. The National Weather Service advises securing valuables, avoiding flooded roads, and having an emergency plan in place.
For the latest updates, visit the National Weather Service website at weather.gov.
