Broome, Delaware, Chenango, and Otsego Counties Face Heavy Flood Risk

A Flood Watch is in effect for Broome, Chenango, Otsego and Delaware counties from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

A watch does not mean flooding is happening everywhere. It means conditions could allow flooding to develop, and residents should pay close attention as the rain moves through.

This is not expected to be one quick shower followed by clearing skies. The weather system may stall over New York, allowing rain to fall for an extended period and soak some of the same communities more than once.

Southern Tier & Catskills Rainfall Totals: How Much Rain Will Fall?

Statewide rainfall totals of two to five inches are possible, with isolated locations receiving as much as six inches. Parts of the Catskills could collect six to eight inches through Wednesday morning, placing particular concern on communities in and around Delaware County.

For residents of Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties, the amount that falls in your own backyard won't tell the whole story. Rain that pours into hills, fields and communities upstream eventually drains into local creeks and rivers.

That water can gather quickly in valleys and low lying areas. A road that looked fine when you left home could be covered when you return.

High-Risk Areas: Local Creeks, Roads, and City Commutes

People living near the Susquehanna, Chenango, Unadilla and Delaware river systems know how closely life here follows the water. Still, the first trouble may not appear along a major river.

Small creeks, roadside ditches and drainage pipes can fill rapidly during a downpour. Leaves, branches and other debris can clog culverts, forcing water across roads that normally stay dry.

Urban areas may also see ponding where storm drains can't keep pace. In places such as Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott, Norwich, Oneonta and Sidney, drivers could encounter standing water during the Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning commute.

Recent Tornado Debris Increases Southern Tier Flood Risks

The Flood Watch arrives after several Southern Tier communities endured damaging storms earlier this month. The National Weather Service in Binghamton confirmed an EF1 tornado traveled from Broome County into Delaware County on July 18, snapping trees and bringing down power lines along its path.

Another EF1 tornado crossed from Broome County into Chenango County on July 21, leaving additional tree and utility damage around Greene.

For people still cleaning up branches or repairing property, another weather alert may feel especially unwelcome. Loose limbs and storm debris could also wash into drainage areas, so it's worth checking nearby ditches and culverts if you can do so safely before the heaviest rain begins.

Flooded Road Safety and Driving Hazards

Never drive through a flooded road, even if the water looks shallow or you know the route well. Moving water can push a vehicle off the pavement, and floodwater can hide a washed out section of road beneath its muddy surface.

If you reach water covering the roadway, turn around and choose another route. That may add time to your trip, but it removes a risk you can't judge from the driver's seat.

Flood Preparedness Checklist and NY Emergency Alerts

Charge your phone and enable emergency alerts. If your basement sometimes takes on water, move valuables off the floor before the rain gets heavy.

It's also a good time to check on an older relative, a neighbor with limited mobility, or anyone who lives beside a creek or along a low lying road. Make sure pets are inside or easy to reach if conditions change quickly.

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New Yorkers can receive local weather and emergency messages by texting the name of their county to 333111. Current road closures and travel conditions are also available through 511 New York.