ORLEANS COUNTY, N.Y. (WKBW) — With the water levels on Lake Ontario continuing to rise, leaders have declared a State of Emergency for Orleans County.
In a statement released Monday, the chairman of the county legislature and the Director of the Orleans County Office of Emergency Management said the water level continually rising in late spring has become a long-term hazard. Right now there is minimal flooding in low-lying areas based on wind direction and water levels, but the water continues to rise.
There is no immediate threat to public safety, but measures are being taken to monitor the situation. Leaders say the situation could potentially threaten public safety in the future. The announcement by Orleans County leaders came the same day Governor Cuomo visited Olcott to talk about rising water levels there.
The Governor says the state is making all the necessary precautions to deal with flooding, which could come as early as this week. The state is making sandbags, aqua dams, pumps and National Guard Troops available to anyone needing them. The Governor says flood victims from 2017 should expect the same kind of damage this time around as well. If you are a homeowner or business owner, and you are in need of assistance, call your local government officials who will pass along your request to the state.
