Southern Tier & Central New York On Watch for Flash Flooding

A big portion of New York State is on watch for the possibility of flash flooding on creeks and streams as well as water across roadways through at least the first part of August 19.

The National Weather Service has issued Flash Flood Watches for an area that covers all of the Southern Tier to Jamestown in Western New York, all of Central New York through the Finger Lakes and Syracuse and east to include Utica and Oneonta and as far north as Fort Drum. The watches are due to expire at 8 a.m. August 19. Watches are also in effect for almost all of Pennsylvania with those advisories to expire a few hours earlier on Thursday.

NOAA says area could experience localized rainfall amounts that could even exceed five inches, which would lead to flash flooding in some areas.

The problem is what is left of Tropical Storm Fred.  Scattered heavy rain and possibly a few thunderstorms were predicted ahead of the system with precipitation continuing as Fred pushes through into early in the morning of August 19.

While the main-stem rivers like the Susquehanna, Chenango, Tioughnioga and Delaware were not expected to reach flood stage since the levels have been running relatively low, heavy rain could definitely send the tributaries over their banks.

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Of particular concern to motorists will be the areas that traditionally flood like the underpasses and poor drainage areas.

Officials again remind drivers to never go around barricades on roads. They are there because the road can not be safely traveled. There could be water levels deeper than they appear and/or compromised road surfaces.

Wind, however, doesn't appear to be much of an issue.  Forecasts were generally calling for wind speeds of under 10 mph.

A chance of showers continues for the Southern Tier through the extended forecast period ending August 24.