Steuben County has banned all non-essential travel and urged people in Jasper and Woodhull to evacuate due to the threat of flash flooding.
Debby’s impacts will extend into the Northeast by the end of the week
After stalling for days over the Southeast, Debby is now poised to move north, bringing significant flooding threats from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.
Steuben County declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon as persistent rains from Tropical Storm Debby caused widespread flash flooding and dangerous road conditions.
The county also issued an emergency evacuation order for the hamlet of Woodhull on Tuscarora Creek and the hamlet of Jasper due to leaking propane tanks. All residents in the hamlet of Jasper and within a half-mile of the hamlet should evacuate the area immediately.
“Flash flooding upstream has damaged property and is endangering the safety of residents downstream,” the Department of Emergency Management said. “All residents should immediately move to higher ground.”
County officials said several roads in the county were impassable and emergency crews were responding to dozens of emergency calls.
As part of the nationwide state of emergency, residents have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel until further notice.
In Greenwood, authorities declared a state of emergency and banned all travel within the city.
“Residents should avoid the roadways until further notice unless absolutely necessary to ensure emergency vehicles and public works equipment can respond to the emergency,” the Steuben County Emergency Management Office stated. “Highway and fire officials are en route and on duty. Please do not call 911 unless it is a true emergency.”
Southern Steuben County hit by “life-threatening flash flood”
A state of emergency has been declared because a flash flood warning is in effect for the district until 6 p.m. and a flood warning is in effect until late at night.
According to the National Weather Service, emergency crews reported severe flooding along the Tuscarora Creek in southern Steuben County at 12:42 p.m. Roads and homes were reportedly inundated.
“Anyone near Tuscarora Creek should seek higher ground. This is a life-threatening flash flood!” warned the National Weather Service. “Jasper and Woodhull are particularly hard hit. The village of Addison could soon experience significant flooding.”
More: Debby triggers flash flood warnings for Steuben, Allegany and Livingston counties. What you should know.
The National Weather Service said more than an inch of rain had already fallen in some areas as of 9:30 a.m., with more rainfall expected.
The state of emergency in Steuben County remains in effect until further notice.
— This story may be updated as more information becomes available. You can also follow our live storm blog here.
