Orleans facing flood watch, high wind warning

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a flood watch and a high wind warning for Orleans County.

The flood watch is in effect from 1 p.m. today through Monday afternoon with flooding possible from excessive rainfall. The excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

The flood watch includes Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. Widespread rainfall totals of 1-1.5 inches are expected within the watch area, the Weather Service said.

A high wind warning also is in effect from 4 a.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Tuesday with southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.

The high wind warning includes Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming and Chautauqua counties.

“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” the Weather Service said. “Widespread power outages are expected. Shallow rooted trees in a saturated ground will be more susceptible to falling. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”