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