Upstate girds for fallout from more storms

Upstate New York is preparing for the damage expected from severe storms that have been pounding the region for a week.

Gov. Cuomo on Friday said two significant storms hitting upstate regions may collide, and warned residents to expect thunderstorms, lightning and high winds. More than 100 local governments have asked for state help, with 200 National Guard officers ready to be deployed.

There are 14 counties under a state of emergency through Tuesday, officials said.

“We believe the worst is over, but the ground is saturated, damage has been done and now we have more wet weather that is forecast for today, into tomorrow, and rain through much of the state,” Cuomo said.

Storms this week caused flash flooding around the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.

The western Catskills and capital regions are now forecast to get hardest hit, particularly if the storms merge, according to officials.

“We just need to expect the unexpected, at best,” said Roger Parrino, commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Storm clean up is underway at Seneca Lake, which took the brunt of storm damage. Debris like propane tanks, RVs and broken bits of homes and boats have been pulled out, leaving the hunks of wood and trees that need to be removed, according to the state Environmental Conservation.

But Cuomo said state officials will be tracking the larger area to send resources where they're needed.