New York Governor Cuomo Activates 130 National Guard Personnel

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Governor Cuomo today activated 130 National Guard personnel and equipment to be ready to deploy to support localities with ice jam flooding due to warm temperatures and rain in rivers and streams across the state. With warmer temperatures and rainfall forecasted for much of the state today, the potential exists for jammed ice to move and cause renewed flooding at known ice jam locations. Currently, the flooding potential continues through mid-week. Ice jams and ice jam potential are being monitored statewide, especially in the Western New York Region, the North Country, the Mohawk Valley Region, the Capital Region, and in the Southern Tier. People living in areas that are prone to ice jam flooding should take the time in advance to take precautions.

“As ice jams and high water levels threaten our communities, the state is working with our local partners to help mitigate flooding across the state,” Governor Cuomo said. “I urge residents in areas prone to flooding to stay informed and take precautions to protect themselves, their families and their homes.”

Current Weather

The National Weather Service has issued Flood Watches and Advisories for ice jam flooding for many portions of the state. Please monitor local forecasts for the most up to date information. A Flood Warning is already in effect in Warren County until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday for flooding along Route 418 between Thurman and Warrensburg, along River Road in Thurman, and along Stony Creek Road at the bottom of Cameron Road in Warrensburg due to an ice jam along the Hudson River. A Flood Warning in also effect in Central Eric County until 6:15 p.m. for the Cazenovia Creek in Cazenovia Park in West Seneca. Water levels also continue to fluctuate along other area creeks including the Buffalo and Cayuga Creeks, as an imminent risk of ice jam flooding also remains along those creeks.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Roger Parrino, Sr. said, “The Division is working closely with our local and state partners on ice jam and flooding issues throughout the state. We will continue to provide any resources and expertise needed as we monitor and respond to any issues as they arise throughout the duration of this event.

At the Governor’s direction, there are 130 Airmen and Soldiers on State Active Duty today to assist state and local governments alleviate flooding and ice jams as temperatures and water levels rise. There are 12 personnel from the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry with four vehicles in Malone and 13 personnel with four vehicles from the 2-108th Infantry in Plattsburgh. There are 26 personnel and five vehicles on call at the Armed Forces Reserves center in Scotia. They are assigned to the 2-108th. In Syracuse, the 427th Brigade Support Battalion has 25 personnel and five vehicles in the Thompson Road Armory. The 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, also in Syracuse, has 25 personnel and five vehicles standing by at the Air Base for missions. Ten Soldiers from the 204th Engineer Battalion with five vehicles are on duty in Binghamton to assist with possible flooding in that area. There are additional soldiers providing logistics support to the mission.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is prepared to respond to requests for assistance with assets from its stockpiles, including 723 generators, 263 light towers, 1,295 pumps, 9 sandbaggers, more than 1,843,000 sandbags, and over 51,000 pre-filled sandbags, more than 46,700 ready-to-eat meals, almost 70,000 bottles and 348,000 cans of water, over 9,000 cots, approximately 12,000 blankets and pillows, over 4,000 flashlights, 960 traffic barriers, 594 traffic barrels, and over 6,800 feet of aqua dam.

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