Orleans, WNY on flood watch for 3 days next week
Photo by Tom Rivers: A snow-covered corn field is shown on Brockville Road in Murray on Thursday when temperatures were in the single digits.
The temperature will significantly warm up this weekend and is forecast to reach 41 on Sunday, 53 on Monday, and then be followed by highs of 43 on Tuesday and 36 on Wednesday.
That warmup is prompting the National Weather Service in Buffalo to issue a flood watch for Orleans County and Western New York from late Sunday night through late Wednesday night.
“Southerly winds will bring warm air into Western NY early next week,” the Weather Service said. “This period of above freezing temperatures will result in snow melt. A period of rainfall will accompany this period of warmer weather and the combination of the two will likely result in rises on area rivers and creeks.”
The primary risk for flooding will be due to ice jams, the Weather Service said.
“Area creeks and rivers have thick ice in place,” the Weather Service stated. “Rapid rises in water level can break up this ice, which can then become jammed where there are constrictions in the river or creek channel, such as curves or other restrictions. People living in areas that are prone to ice jam flooding should take the time in advance to prepare for the potential for flooding Monday through Wednesday night.”
