Fears of flooding
Capital Region officials watch for flooding after rainfall
The National Weather Service said the Capital Region could get more than an inch of rain Thursday into Friday, as local officials are continuing to make plans in case of flooding.
“Right now we’re in a position where we are constantly moderating the weather reports. We’ve been in contact with the [ National] Weather Service [office] in Albany,” said Carl Zeilman, director of emergency services in Saratoga County. “We reach out to discuss the forecast throughout the day. On top of that, we moderate the hydrologic prediction page off the National Weather Service to moderate the flood stages at the river levels whether it’s minor, moderate.”
Late Thursday morning, the flood stage was at the minor level.
“From there it’s basically just staying in contact, providing updates to the towns and the highway superintendent, the supervisors with making sure they are aware of the forecast that’s constantly provided to us by the National Weather Service,” said Zeilman. “We have the resources and the volunteer and paid fire service
in the county and EMS as well, along with our law enforcement. Everybody is prepared to respond if called upon.”
Kevin Lipton, of the National Weather Service, said the ground is very saturated.
“We’ve had repeated rainfall, bouts of rainfall for the last couple of weeks now, and that combined with some of the lingering snowmelt in the area had led to very saturated grounds; so with additional rainfall expected there is a potential for some areas to experience minor flooding,” said Lipton.
Lipton said as of Thursday afternoon there doesn’t appear to be anything beyond minor flooding.
“We will have to keep an eye
on the radar to see if we get more rain than expected, but at this time it looks like mainly minor-type flooding,” said Lipton. “Some of the areas near the Hudson River they might get some points to minor flood stage and also just in general there will be more standing water in some of the smaller creeks in the area.”
Lipton said any residents living near creeks should pay attention to any potential warnings that are issued in case they may experience more water issues than currently going on.
Zeilman echoed Lipton’s statement.
“I think it’s important for residents across the county to be aware of their surroundings. If flooding should occur, a roadway might be flooded or washed out,” said Zeilman. “Think safety first. Don’t cross a flooded roadway. You put yourself in harm’s way as well our first responders who have to come and provide service. We tell people to turn around and go back should they see a flooded roadway.”
Zeilman warned of streams and creeks.
“If we do receive the precipitation that they are calling for, you will see the streams and creeks will react faster to the rainfall where as the larger bodies of water like rivers you will see a reaction in about 12-24 hours normally,” said Zeilman. “And that’s basically what we moderate and how we moderate it.”
Zeilman said people in low-lying areas will see a faster reaction than others.
“If you are in a low-lying area, the likelihood of you seeing some minor flooding is obviously going to be greater than somebody that is not in a low-lying area,” said Zeilman.
Troy Mayor Patrick Madden said they’re keeping an eye on the low-lying area along the river up around 125th Street in Lansingburgh, specifically the storm sewers up there, but the latest info he saw indicates the city should be OK.