Residents ready for evacuation in Buffalo region as snowmelt threatens flooding
Posted Nov 24, 2014 08:52:35 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Buffalo area residents — hit by massive snow storms last week — are preparing for evacuations Monday, as temperatures climb toward 60 degrees (16 Celsius).
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Monday and cautioned that trees weakened by heavy snowfall and saturated soil could come crashing down. High wind gusts of up to 60 mph (100 kph) also could topple electrical wires and trigger power outages. Forecasts call for rain showers on Monday and a chance of rain and snow showers by early Tuesday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo Sunday warned residents in flood-prone areas around Buffalo to move valuables up from the basement, pack a bag and prepare for the possibility of evacuation.
Cuomo said evacuation plans and emergency shelters were being readied in case of flooding. As a backup to Red Cross shelters, Cuomo said the state would have shelters at community colleges and state university campuses.
