Orleans has weather warnings for ice storm and flooding
File photo by Cheryl Wertman: Ice encases these berries on the bush in Medina in December 2013, when an ice storm hit the area.
Orleans County has multiple weather warnings. The county faces an ice storm, lakeshore flooding and flooding in streams and creeks.
The ice storm warning is in effect from 2 p.m. today until 2 p.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service said significant icing is expected, from about a half-inch to an inch in Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, and Livingston counties.
Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the combination of ice and strong northeast winds. Travel will be difficult at times, especially tonight and early Sunday morning when pavement temperatures are coldest, the Weather Service said.
A flood watch has also been issued for Orleans County from late Sunday night through Tuesday afternoon. Moderate to heavy rain of 2 to 2.5 inches will result in considerable runoff into area creeks and rivers.
Small streams and creeks, low-lying and poor drainage areas may experience flooding Sunday night through Monday. Larger streams and rivers will take longer to respond with flooding possible later Monday into Tuesday, the Weather Service said.
The Flood Watch includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Erie, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
The Weather Service has also issued a lakeshore flood warning until 2 p.m. Sunday for Orleans, Niagara and Monroe counties.
Strong northeasterly winds will result in significant wave action which will result in lakeshore flooding and erosion along the southwestern shores of Lake Ontario, the Weather Service said.
“The greatest risk is where the shoreline is still unstable from flooding and erosion last year, and also in bays and inlets,” the Weather Service said.
