Flood Watch
Flood Watch National Weather Service Buffalo NY 408 AM EST Mon Feb 4 2019 ...Ice Jam Flooding Threat through Wednesday Night... Record to near record breaking warmth is expected today. Temperatures across Western New York will reach the upper 50s to lower 60s. These temperatures will result in extensive snow melt. A period of rain will also occur tonight, although rainfall amounts will be light and less than a quarter inch. The primary risk for flooding will be due to ice jams. Area creeks and rivers have thick ice in place. Rises in water level from snow melt can break up this ice, which can then become jammed where there are constrictions in the river or creek channel, such as curves or at bridges. People living in areas that are prone to ice jam flooding should prepare for the potential for flooding through Wednesday night. Niagara-Orleans-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Chautauqua- Cattaraugus-Southern Erie- Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Buffalo, Batavia, Warsaw, Jamestown, Olean, Orchard Park, and Springville 408 AM EST Mon Feb 4 2019 ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT... The Flood Watch continues for * A portion of western New York...including the following counties...Cattaraugus...Chautauqua...Genesee...Niagara... Northern Erie...Orleans...Southern Erie and Wyoming. * Through late Wednesday night. * The combination of snow melt and rain may result in water rises and ice jams on area creeks and rivers. Due to the recent lake effect snow event in western New York this past week, liquid amounts in the snow pack average 2 to 4 inches. Ice jams will be possible. Rainfall during the watch will average around a quarter inch. * Snow melt and warm temperatures through today will break up river and creek ice. The greatest period of concern for ice jams will be through this evening. Ice jam concerns may continue through Wednesday night, although colder air arriving Tuesday and Wednesday will help to slow the melting process. The most susceptible areas for potential ice jams are the Buffalo Creeks, Cattaraugus Creek, and the upper Allegany River, although they can happen anywhere. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Stay tuned to weather radio or other radio and tv stations for further details or updates
