State of Emergency in Ontario County After Heavy Rains, Flooding

UPDATE July 11th 2 P.M.

Ontario County Administrator Christopher DeBolt provided an update on Tuesday on the flash flood that occurred in-and-around the Canandaigua area.  To read the update, click here

UPDATE July 11th 11 A.M.

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert warning against price gouging of essential goods in the aftermath of storms that caused flash flooding, power outages, and significant damages on Sunday.  To read more, click here

UPDATE 5 P.M.

Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione provided this update on lake conditions in the county following Sunday’s storms:

Canandaigua Lake:

Sheriff Marine Patrols have spent the day removing debris from the north end of Canandaigua Lake. Most visible debris has been removed. The debris was concentrated in the north end. There is no need to reduce the speed limit on Canandaigua Lake at this time. We remind anyone who will be operating watercraft on the lake to do so with caution, keeping in mind that more debris could surface or enter the lake over the coming hours and days.

Honeoye Lake:

Honeoye Lake was largely unaffected by yesterday’s heavy rains. There are no safety concerns to report on that lake. Standard caution is advised.

UPDATE 3 P.M.

Here’s is the Governor’s news conference held Monday at the Canandaigua Fire Department:

 

UPDATE 2:30 P.M.

Governor Kathy Hochul toured storm damage in the Canandaigua area on Monday.  She is holding a media availability with reporters at the Canandaigua Fire Department.

UPDATE 2 P.M.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Pat Ryan on Monday urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to stand ready to approve any request from New York State for a major disaster declaration following the severe flash flooding that has rampaged through the Hudson Valley and other communities across Upstate NY over the past 24 hours.

The representatives specifically referenced Orange and Ontario Counties as being particularly battered by the heavy downpours that caused severe flooding – destroying homes, washing away roads and bridges, and tragically resulting in the loss of life.

If a disaster declaration is declared, grant assistance would be made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs incurred for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. This funding is available on a cost-sharing basis; FEMA generally covers 75 percent of the eligible costs for permanent and emergency work.  After any severe storm, the first step in the declaration process is for the state to request a Preliminary Damage Assessment, during which FEMA representatives join state, local, and other officials to survey damage across the flooded counties to help determine whether the cost of the disaster meets the criteria for a federal disaster declaration. Schumer, Gillibrand, and Ryan urged FEMA to be prepared to support any requests for aid from New York State.

UPDATE:  9:30 A.M.

Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione offered an update on roads Monday morning:

“Several roads and streets in the town and City of Canandaigua were closed last evening due to flooding. Roads within the town of Canandaigua including CR 30, CR 16, Cooley Road and Short Road are now re-opened. Some streets within the City are still closed while debris is being cleared.

“All are urged to continue driving with due caution as debris may remain and some roadways have incurred damage, especially along the shoulders.”

Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday declared a State of Emergency for Ontario County as heavy rainfall during the afternoon and early evening led to significant flooding in the Canandaigua area.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control have personnel in the county assisting the local response efforts. State swift water rescue teams with personnel from State Parks and State Fire are performing door-to-door welfare checks for neighborhoods with highest impacts. DHSES staff are embedded with the Ontario County Emergency Operations Center to facilitate local requests for assistance.

“Due to increasingly dangerous conditions, I am expanding our State of Emergency to Ontario County,” Governor Hochul said. “State personnel are on the ground and supporting local response efforts. New Yorkers in impacted regions should do everything they can to avoid flooded roads and stay alert for additional weather.”

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Our team has been on the ground in Canandaigua this evening assisting Ontario County local officials and emergency responders with flood-related impacts. We continue to support these efforts and others across the state as heavy rain has caused widespread flooding. New Yorkers should take extra caution, if traveling, and stay alert.”

The American Red Cross is currently operating in Ontario County at Canandaigua’s Town Hall (5440 Route 5 & 20 West, Canandaigua, NY 14424).

WATCH – This is the intersection of the Cooley Rd. & Short Rd. intersection which has turned into a river. Water is rushing down short road and engulfing a lot of the street and several properties. Please seek alternate routes. I’ll be LIVE on @News_8 with more tonight. #ROC pic.twitter.com/ZACE6f51Ah

— Alex Love (@AlexWROCLove) July 9, 2023

#roc https://t.co/ZuzbuL5Ai3

— MonroeCountyFireWire (@mcfw) July 9, 2023