Lewis County declares State of Emergency subsequent to storm damage near Turin and Lewis and flooding in Greig and Watson

LOWVILLE- A State of Emergency has been declared for Lewis County in the wake of Monday night's storm damage and now flooding potential near Greig and Watson.

"We are monitoring water releases from the dam at the Stillwater Reservoir in Herkimer County, which impacts water levels throughout Watson and Greig, potentially impacting roads, bridges, and culverts in those areas," County Manager Ryan Piche said. 

The State of Emergency will open Lewis County, and local Towns and Villages, to disaster relief funding if public damage exceeds $110,000, Piche clarified. "It is important to note that access to funding only applies to public assets," he explained.

"Private residences and businesses damaged during the storm and it’s aftermath are not, at this time, eligible for relief payments."

However with that being said, there are disaster funding options available to small businesses through the Federal Small Business Association and USDA.

"It is my understanding that the State Department of Financial Services has already been in touch with the businesses affected by the tornado in Turin in an effort to connect them with those resources," Piche added.

See the official declaration below:

Lewis County images.