New Yorkers warned to prepare for likely ice jams and localized flooding as winter fades into spring

New Yorkers are being warned to beware of ice jams and localized flooding, as rainfall mixed with snowmelt from mild temperatures this week are expected to create disruptions.

Amidst a flood watch Tuesday afternoon through Thursday across the Tug Hill Plateau region, ice jams and flooding are very likely, according to forecasters via the National Weather Service.

For those who live in areas prone to flooding, emergency officials remind the importance of keeping extra supplies on hand and to have an escape route, if absolutely necessary.

Flood Safety Tips (***from the Governor’s Office***):

• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
• Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
• Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place and consider maintainig photo and video documentation.
• Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
• Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.
• Check on your insurance coverage. Homeowners' insurance policies generally do not cover flood damages. Only flood insurance can protect your home against flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance whether or not you live in a mapped flood zone.

DEC Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts.

Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

State Police have instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service and all specialty vehicles, including Utility Terrain Vehicles, are staged and ready for deployment.

The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with more than 3,763 supervisors and operators.

Department staff are actively monitoring known problem areas and are ready to take action as needed to mitigate flooding. Crews can be configured into any type of response needed, including flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.

DOT crews are also proactively clearing snowbanks, checking and clearing drains and culverts.

All residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed with operators, supervisors and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.