The National Weather Service in Buffalo issued a severe thunderstom watch for Cattaraugus and Allegany counties through 10 p.m. today as more rain and even thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and overnight.

The city of Olean was included in the watch reported by the National Weather Service office in Buffalo.

The NWS already had a flood watch in effect through Tuesday in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, advising that high rainfall rates can create hazardous conditions on roadways. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Continue monitoring updates to the forecast by visiting weather.gov, then search for your zip code.

During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don’t know how deep the water is. Even when water recedes, the ground may be unstable.

• Do not drive through flooded roadways.
• NEVER drive around barricades!
• Rising and fast floodwaters can sweep vehicles away or cause you to lose control of a vehicle.
• Stay out of floodwaters! Floodwaters hide dangerous that can cause sickness, injury, or even death: animals and insects, live wires, dangerous chemicals, sewage, harmful bacteria, and sharp objects and debris.

The flood watch was in effect for Broome, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Erie, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties as well.

FLOODING DEBRIS SHUTS DOWN CUBA LAKE

Due to heavy rains and flooding on Friday, which washed tree branches and trash into Cuba Lake, a travel ban on the lake was issued Saturday afternoon.

No water vessels, including boats, jet skis, kayaks or any other watercraft are permitted to launch or travel on Cuba Lake during the duration of the order, issued at 4 p.m. Saturday by Cuba Town Supervisor Lee James and Police Chief Dustin Burch.

The ban also includes swimming and fishing on the lake.

“Several factors guided our decision, primarily the potential for physical injury and the possibility of chemicals or other substances in the water due to the flooding,” James and Burch said in a statement. “We are actively working to develop an efficient and effective plan to mitigate this issue. We understand that this may not be a popular decision, but the overall health and well-being of all those who live, work, and play in Cuba and Cuba Lake are our top priorities.

This Allegany County Sheriff’s Office photo shows Cuba Lake on Saturday.

“We express our gratitude for your understanding and assistance in this matter,” they added. “We would like to thank all the agencies assisting us during this challenging process. We will keep you updated as we receive new developments. This order is enforceable by law enforcement.” 

Burch and James said they consulted with local, state, and federal partners, including the governor’s office, Allegany County Legislature Chairman Brook Harris, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office,  Cuba Ambulance Department, Cuba Fire Department, Allegany County Emergency Services and Cattaragus County Emergency Services.

At 9 p.m.  Friday, Allegany County issued a state of emergency related to flooding and instituted a temporary travel ban in the towns of Cuba and West Almond, as well as a travel advisory in the towns of Almond, Friendship, New Hudson and Rushford.

The state of emergency and travel ban were rescinded at 9 a.m. Saturday, although a travel ban remained in effect until noon around the Cuba Lake area including Abbott Road, Rawson Road, County Road 17, County Road 20 and the North Branch Road.

“On behalf of all county residents, Chairman Harris extends his deepest thanks to our emergency responders and Public Works crews,” Allegany County stated in a press release Saturday. “Their tireless dedication and swift action have ensured the safety and well-being of our residents, and we are all very grateful and appreciative.”