Utica, NY – Rising river levels could begin impacting parts of Oneida County by late Wednesday afternoon as rain falls on a deep snowpack, sending runoff quickly into the Mohawk and Black River systems.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, a Flood Watch takes effect at 2 p.m. Wednesday and remains in place through Thursday afternoon for Northern and Southern Oneida County, including Utica, Rome, and Boonville.
Forecasters expect 0.75 to 1 inch of rain between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, while mild temperatures accelerate melting snow across central New York. That combination could push significant runoff into area waterways, causing rivers, creeks, and smaller tributaries to rise rapidly.
The Mohawk River, Black River, and nearby streams will be closely monitored as water levels increase. Remaining river ice could also break apart as flows increase, creating the potential for ice jams that may cause sudden flooding in localized areas.
Low-lying roads, flood-prone neighborhoods, and areas near smaller creeks may see water rise first. Emergency officials urge residents to monitor river conditions and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
Water levels will continue to respond through Thursday as runoff moves through the river systems. Additional flood warnings may be issued if rivers approach or exceed critical levels.
