Ice Jam Flooding Possible in Southern Tier

Warming temperatures, expected rain and snow runoff are combining to prompt the National Weather Service in Binghamton to issue a flood watch for the Southern Tier, Central New York and areas to the west from 10 a.m. February 17 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 18.

The Watch area does not include the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania at this time.

NOAA says significant rises in streams and rivers due to up to a half inch of rainfall and the melting snow may lead to ice breakup and possible jams, then potential flooding.

Officials say areas over higher terrain, such as norther Oneida County could see more in the way of rainfall totals.

According to the Flood Watch, the peak time for both rain and snowmelt will be Thursday afternoon through Thursday night but problems could linger through Friday, February 18.

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Jams are more prone in areas where waterways narrow such as under bridges and on sharp bends in the rivers and streams. When jams occur in those pinch points, flooding can quickly follow.

Residents are encouraged to monitor later forecasts and those living or working near areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action quickly should flooding develop.