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Photo by Frannie Haranin, State FarmTCAT routes were shut down yesterday. Most reopened by 11am, while others remained closed. Route 15 service is suspended due to flooding. In addition, the Route 52 will not travel into Tioga County until further notice. The Route 67 will detoured to Albany Street to NYS Route 13 (Elmira Road) and will be unable to serve the section between Wegmans and Kmart.
yesterday afternoon the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response announced it is closely monitoring weather conditions and the forecast for likely heavy rain over the next day or two.
Officials report that the Southern Tier area is under a flood advisory for the next 24-36 hours. The remnants of two tropical storms are converging over the region, and significant rainfall that is currently expected to continue through the period. Director of Emergency Response Lee Shurtleff cautions that the National Weather Service cannot predict with any certainty either the amounts of rain or length of the storm, but believes that the area might experience 3-6 inches of rainfall in this general area during this time—possibly more—and at times the precipitation might be quite heavy.
Shurtleff indicates that small streams, creeks and low lying areas appear most vulnerable locally, with major river flooding and lake rise less likely in the immediate area.
The Tompkins County Solid Waste Division announced that due to the Labor Day holiday and County State of Emergency, curbside recycling collection will be delayed. For the reminder of the week of September 5th, collection will occur two days later than regularly scheduled.
During the week of September 12, all collections will occur one day late. For example, collection normally scheduled for Friday, September 9th will occur Monday, September 12th.
Regular schedules will resume on Monday, September 19.
Caroline Town Supervisor Don Barber has declared a State of Emergency in the Town of Caroline, as of 3:30 a.m. this date because of ongoing weather conditions that have created significant flooding and threaten public safety—specifically, “hazardous conditions caused by creek and stream flooding” throughout the Town.
The State of Emergency will be in effect for five days, through September 13, 2011. It will then be reevaluated to determine if the Emergency Order should be lifted or extended, based on the weather conditions at that time.
Heavy rain has created numerous traffic hazards and road closures throughout the County, including many in the Town of Caroline. Among the many road closures and hazards, Route 79 east of Slaterville is closed. There are numerous problems throughout the county caused by the high water, and high water is also obstructing Route 13/South Meadow Street in the City of Ithaca.
The National Weather Service reports rain has caused significant flooding throughout the region, and a strong band of rain continues to head north from Southern Pennsylvania toward the Tompkins County area, and is expected to continue to produce more heavy rain beyond what has already fallen.
Town and County highway departments are out working throughout the County. Other trouble spots include Route 13 (South Meadow Street) in the City of Ithaca, Route 79 and Boiceville Road in the Town of Caroline, and numerous secondary roads throughout the county.
Officials continue to urge motorists to take precautions to keep themselves safe:
- In the case of flooding, get to higher ground as quickly as possible and stay away from flood water.
- Don’t drive through flooded areas.
- Never try to wade or swim through flood water.
- Check on neighbors in the event of any flood problems.
- Keep close watch on the situation by paying attention to media reports updating the weather conditions and local effects.