BUFFALO — A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for the majority of Western New York, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, northern Erie, southern Erie and Wyoming counties through Friday afternoon.
The weather service says, “A period of widespread moderate to heavy rain will develop Thursday afternoon and continue through early Friday morning across all of Western New York. Rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2.0 inches are expected Thursday through Friday. This heavy rain will fall on already saturated soils.”
“Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall may result in minor flooding of poor drainage areas and small creeks from late Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning. Minor flooding is also possible on some of the larger creeks and rivers on Friday, including the upper Genesee River, upper Allegheny River, and Buffalo area creeks,” the weather service added.
A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Residents are advised to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
