Residents across Finger Lakes clean up after Debby dumps 3-4 inches of rain | Fingerlakes1.com (2024)

Friday 3 PM Update

The heaviest rain associated with the remnants of tropical storm Debby are moving out of the Finger Lakes, which is good news, as flood warnings and flood emergencies persist.

Upwards of 4+ inches of rain fell during the day on Friday, prompting evacuations in Steuben County, roads to be washed out in Yates and Ontario counties, and road flooding in Seneca and Wayne counties.

If you have photos or video of flood damage in your area – send them to [emailprotected].

RELATED: State of emergency in Steuben County

Friday 1 PM Update

Heavy rain and flooding are the primary concerns for Western New York as a storm system, fueled by remnants of Tropical Depression Debby, continues to impact the region. A narrow band of intense rainfall has developed in the Finger Lakes – bringing flooding to Yates, Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Schuyler, and Steuben counties.

The system is expected to bring 1.5 to 3 inches of rain across the Finger Lakes and North Country, with localized higher amounts. The threat of severe thunderstorms, including damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, remains elevated in parts of the Finger Lakes and downstate regions.

As the storm moves northeast tonight, a drying trend will bring cooler temperatures.

Friday 5 AM Update

Flood watches are posted across the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Western New York as the remnants of Tropical Depression Debby move into the region. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued advisories and warnings in anticipation of localized heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding, particularly in the Finger Lakes region and the North Country. As the weekend progresses, cooler temperatures and lake effect rain showers are expected to dominate the weather pattern.

Immediate Impacts: Heavy Rain Through Night

As of this morning, an upper-level trough over the Upper Great Lakes is deepening and expanding across the Midwest and the Lower Great Lakes region. This system is interacting with Tropical Depression Debby, which is currently moving northward along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains from the western Carolinas. As Debby continues to transition into a post-tropical system, moisture and instability are surging northward, leading to scattered showers and thunderstorms across Western and North Central New York. These conditions are expected to intensify as the day progresses, with rainfall expanding in coverage across the eastern Lake Ontario region.

A cold front positioned across the Upper and Central Great Lakes is pushing eastward, while an inverted trough associated with Debby remains stationary just west of Western New York. This setup is drawing a tropical airmass into the region, which will fuel the development of showers and thunderstorms overnight. By Friday morning, an area of steady, heavy rain will begin moving into the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and southern Tug Hill regions, with rainfall amounts expected to average between 2 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.

Severe Weather and Flooding Concerns

The National Weather Service has noted an increased risk of severe thunderstorms, particularly across Central New York from Friday morning through the afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms may produce damaging wind gusts, and there is a heightened tornado threat, particularly in the Capital Region and downstate areas due to Debby’s track. As the cold front approaches Western New York, it will interact with the tropical moisture, leading to additional showers and thunderstorms, particularly in Southern Ontario and Western New York.

Given the forecasted rainfall amounts and the potential for severe weather, a Moderate Risk of Excessive Rainfall remains in effect, with the highest risk for flash flooding and river flooding centered on the Finger Lakes region and the North Country. A Flood Watch continues for several counties in these areas, as heavy rainfall is expected to persist into Friday evening, particularly east of Lake Ontario.

FEMA Urges New Yorkers to Brace for Tropical Storm Debby’s Potential Impact

As Tropical Storm Debby approaches, FEMA is urging New Yorkers to prepare for potential flooding, especially in vulnerable areas like Canandaigua, which has experienced severe flooding in recent years. Crews in the city are proactively clearing debris from storm drains to mitigate flood risks, a lesson learned from last summer’s torrential rains that inundated the area in just 45 minutes.

FEMA Regional Director Andrew D’Amora emphasized the importance of preparation, warning residents not to underestimate the storm. “No storms are alike. Anything can happen at any time,” D’Amora said, advising families to have a plan and stay informed by local authorities.

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Erie Canal Closed as New York Braces for Tropical Storm Debby’s Impact

The New York State Canal Corporation has closed a section of the Erie Canal and is lowering water levels across Central New York to prepare for the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, expected to hit the region on Friday. The proactive measures include lifting movable dams between Lock E-8 in Rotterdam and Lock E-15 in Fort Plain, effectively lowering the canal to its winter levels.

These actions aim to increase the Mohawk River’s capacity to absorb heavy rainfall and facilitate debris flow, mitigating potential flooding in nearby communities. Additionally, water levels at key reservoirs and lakes, including Delta, North Lake, and Cayuga Lake, are being adjusted to accommodate storm runoff.

The Canal Corporation advises mariners and residents to secure vessels and structures that may be affected by the reduced water levels.