The Catskill Chronicle

Issued By:  Sullivan County Emergency Management

Affected Jurisdictions:  Sullivan County

Flash flooding is occurring in Sullivan County – Reminder to motorists not to drive over flooded roadways

Localized flash flooding is occurring in the Northwestern part of Sullivan County.

Specifically Route 52 from White Sulphur Springs to the Stone Arch Bridge is closed and should be avoided. Fire, Law Enforcement along with state, county and local highway crews are out tending to the situation.

Motorists should avoid driving over flooded roadways or pooling water.  Avoid travel if possible until this storm subsides.

Residents are reminded to call 911 only for life threatening emergencies.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY MANAGER UPDATE ON SEVERE WEATHER

County Manager Joshua Potosek issued the following statement:  “Sullivan County remains under several severe weather watches and warnings including severe thunderstorm and flash flooding.

Due to flooding associated with heavy rains, the following county roads have been closed: CR 127 near Jeffersonville, CR 164 in Kohlertown, and CR 149 at the intersection of State Route 52 in Youngsville, all along the Callicoon Creek.  County crews have been dispatched to the affected areas.  We have received reports that Main Street Jeffersonville is currently flooding.  If possible, please avoid driving into the area between Hortonville in the Town of Delaware to Youngsville in the Town of Callicoon.

County workers have also been working to clear downed trees from county roadways across various portions of the County that have been affected by heavy wind damage including Livingston Manor, Roscoe, and Shandalee.

I strongly urge any resident who lives near a stream, creek or river to be prepared and alert as this storm progresses, and to take preventative measures to protect their property through sandbags, etc. Outdoor, moveable property should be secured, and indoor property should be put up in case of flooding in the home. Furthermore, in case of emergency, all residents in these areas should make preparations to vacate their home if conditions warrant, and are strongly urged to comply with any and all reasonable requests from law enforcement or emergency responders during an emergency.

County residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, are also urged to have enough flashlights and extra batteries, canned goods and bottled water for 48 hours, in case of power outage or emergency. Residents are encouraged to make arrangements to check on elderly neighbors, and arrange for pets to be housed either inside, or with proper shelter.

During the storm all County residents are urged to remain indoors and off roadways whenever possible. If residents must drive, they are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving through this storm, and to pay special attention not to drive through pooling or standing water. If there are flood conditions on a roadway, please do not travel through the water.

Sullivan County officials will be in contact with all towns, village and fire departments in the flood-prone areas, to ensure all precautionary measures are being taken, and implementing contingency plans in case of flooding. County officials will remain in contact with these towns, village and volunteer first-responders throughout the storm, as they monitor the situations in their own communities.

Should flooding occur in Sullivan County, residents and visitors are urged to visit the County website, www.co.sullivan.ny.us, for current news and information.”