Flash Flooding in New York, July 8, 1998

Slow moving thunderstorms with torrential rains affected northern sections of the county during the early and mid morning hours. Reports from skywarn spotters and cooperative observers indicated that anywhere from 2 to 3.5 inches of rain fell in less than a two hour period over the northern tier communities of the county. Since ground conditions were already saturated from recent rain events, this heavy rainfall was more than adequate to send many creeks and streams out of their banks. The Mill Creek, Twelvemile Creek, and Kirkwood Creek all caused significant flooding over adjacent roadways. Routes 35 and 371 in Cohocton Township were closed for several hours. Meanwhile, a state of emergency was declared in Prattsburg as different branches of the Fivemile Creek washed out bridges and roadways. Yards and homes were also inflicted with water damage in this vicinity. Runoff from the aforementioned creeks and other local brooks caused road closures and substantial lowland flooding in sections of Wheeler, Bath, Avoca, and Pultney as well. By early afternoon, water levels were declining. An assessment of damages following clean up efforts showed tallies approaching a half million dollars.

The same batch of thunderstorms that dumped very heavy rainfall in Steuben county earlier in the morning proceeded gradually into Tioga county. These storms reorganized during the midday period and produced more excessive rainfall. Again, cooperative observers recorded between 2 and 4 inches of rain in many portions of the county. Western and central sections of the county appeared to bear the brunt of the torrential rains and flash flooding. Among many others, the Catatonk Creek, the Hoyt Creek, and the Bliven Creek caused the most significant problems. The bridge that crosses the intersection of the Owego and Catatonk Creeks at routes 96 and 38 in Owego was closed for several hours as water levels topped the bottom of the bridge. Six different bridges were washed out from late morning into the afternoon hours in Spencer and Candor Townships alone. Numerous roads were closed and water had to be pumped out of the first floor of homes in Spencer near the Owl Creek. By late afternoon, rainfall had since subsided and water levels were receding. Emergency management personnel slapped a price tag of a half million dollars on flood damages.

A cluster of nearly stationary showers and thunderstorms developed during the midday hours across southern portions of the county. Within a two to three hour time frame, more than two inches of rain had fallen in many localities. Several reports of 2.5 to 3.5 inches were received from Greene in the southwestern corner of the county. Given already saturated ground conditions, rapid flash flooding resulted. Most of the flooding problems occurred near Mill Brook and along route 12 from Greene northeastward into the Oxford area. Sections of route 12 were under water and closed during the early afternoon hours. Several homes adjacent to Mill Brook in Preston and Oxford townships took on water into the first floor and sustained damage. By mid afternoon, showers and storms had weakened and water levels had receded.

A cluster of nearly stationary showers and thunderstorms developed over far northern sections of the county during the midday period. Rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2.5 inches occurred in less than two hours in this vicinity and resulted in flash flooding given already wet soil conditions. In the town of Triangle, Page Brook left its banks after 12 noon EDT. Sections of route 26 just east of Whitney Point Reservoir had to be closed for several hours as nearly two feet of water covered the roadway. Further upstream, a few homes along Page Brook Road had severe basement flooding as well. By mid afternoon, showers and storms had diminished with water levels on the decline.

The same group of heavy showers and thunderstorms which affected southern Chenango and northern Broome counties earlier in the afternoon moved into northern Delaware county. Rainfall amounts ranging from 2 to 4 inches were experienced in and around Sidney early in the afternoon. This caused very sharp rises on Carrs Creek and resulted in significant flash flooding. Several homes in Sidney Center were severely affected. For a time, water levels had risen to the tops of front doors with extensive damage into the basements and first floors of these houses. Local fire department personnel dispatched to the scene quickly and were able to warn residents to move to higher ground in time. Many yards and driveways suffered damage as large divets were carved out by the rushing water and blacktop sections completely crumbled. Most of route 35 through downtown Sidney Center was closed as several feet of water covered the roadway during the height of the flood. By late afternoon, water levels began to recede as rainfall subsided. Route 35 was reopened by the end of the day with most residents also able to return to their homes. Emergency management personnel that inspected the scene estimated that more than a half million dollars worth of damage occurred.