Flood Watch
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1102 AM EST Sat Feb 2 2019
...Ice Jam Flooding Threat Late Sunday Night through Wednesday
Night...
Southerly winds will bring warm air into Western New York early
next week. This period of above freezing temperatures will result
in extensive snow melt. There will be some opportunities for
rainfall that will accompany this period of warmer weather and
the combination of the two will result in rises on area rivers
and creeks.
The primary risk for flooding will be due to snowmelt and ice
jams. Area creeks and rivers have thick ice in place. Rapid rises
in water level can break up this ice, which can then become
jammed where there are constrictions in the river or creek
channel, such as curves or other restrictions. People living in
areas that are prone to ice jam flooding should take the time in
advance to prepare for the potential for flooding Monday 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
1102 AM EST Sat Feb 2 2019
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT 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.
* From late Sunday night through late Wednesday night.
* The combination of snow melt and rain may result in flooding
on some 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 between a
quarter inch to a half inch.
* Snow melt and warming temperatures Sunday through next week
will soften river and creek ice. Ice jam concerns would then
continue through Wednesday night. The most susceptible areas
for potential ice jams are the Buffalo Creeks, Cattaraugus
Creek, and the upper Allegany River, although they can happen
anywhere.
