Steuben County has banned all non-essential travel and urged people in Jasper, Woodhull, Campbell and southern Addison to evacuate due to the threat of flash flooding.
Video shows severe flooding near Woodhull, New York
Steph Herron-Waters captured flash flooding following heavy rains in her area of Steuben County.
Steuben County declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon and ordered the evacuation of numerous towns as persistent rains from Tropical Storm Debby caused widespread flash flooding and dangerous road conditions.
The county 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 were asked to evacuate the area immediately.
Later Friday afternoon, the county also ordered the evacuation of the south side of the village of Addison along Tuscarora Creek. All residents along Tuscarora Creek between Woodhull and Addison were told to immediately move to higher ground.
“Flash flooding upstream has damaged property and endangered the safety of residents downstream,” the Department of Emergency Management said.
Shortly after 5 p.m., the county ordered an additional evacuation of the hamlet of Campbell.
“Observations and water levels indicate that the Cohocton River will reach moderate flood stage, which will place the hamlet of Campbell and areas along the Cohocton River at County Route 125 and Savona Campbell Road under several feet of water,” the Emergency Management Agency said.
“All residents in the hamlet of Campbell and along the Cohocton River on County Route 125 and Savona Campbell Road between Savona and Campbell should evacuate immediately.”
Southern Steuben County was hit by similar flooding in August 2021 due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred.
Evacuation orders lifted in Canisteo, Addison, Campbell
Steuben County lifted evacuation orders for the villages of Addison and Canisteo at 6:30 p.m. and allowed residents to return to their homes.
Although floodwaters have receded, portions of many roads in the region are still closed, so residents are urged to exercise extreme caution when traveling, the county said.
“If residents return home and their natural gas service is not working, they are advised to call their natural gas provider,” the county advised. “If residents smell natural gas, they should not enter the building and call 911 immediately.”
The evacuation order for Campbell was lifted at 7:30 p.m. because the threat of severe flooding had passed.
Evacuation orders for the hamlets of Jasper and Woodhull remained in effect as major access roads remained closed.
REGARD: Dramatic videos document severe flooding in Steuben County, Canisteo, in northern New York State
How to get help in case of home escape or house damage
A Red Cross emergency shelter is being set up in the Corning-Painted Post High School fieldhouse. Addison Central School District buses brought affected residents to the shelter on Friday.
Another emergency shelter, “open to all individuals and families in need of essential services,” has been set up at Hornell High School at 134 Seneca Street in Hornell.
Steuben County encourages residents who have suffered damage and need assistance to contact the 211 Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 and providing their address, contact information and the nature of the damage. Those affected will be connected to the appropriate nonprofit organization that can assess their needs.
These roads in Steuben County have been closed due to an emergency order
Following severe flooding in the southern part of Steuben County, parts of ten roads were closed by emergency decree.
The district ordered the following road closures late Friday afternoon:
- State Route 248 from CR 60 to CR 98 City of West Union
- County Route 126 from Reiman Rd to SR 417 City of Greenwood
- County Road 129, Town of Woodhull
- County Route 11 from Worth Rd, Town of Bath, to Risingville Hamlet, Town of Thurston
- County Route 14 from CR 15 Town of Bath to CR 119 Town of Canisteo
- County Route 21 from CR 102 (Woodhull) to South Rd (Rathbone)
- State Route 36 closed between SR 248 and SR 417
- County Route 28 from CR 64 (Hartsville) to SR 248 (Canisteo)
- County Route 98 (West Union)
- County Route 77 from CR 74 to Waldo Rd (Prattsburgh)
Many other roads in Steuben County could also be damaged or impassable, the county warned. No unnecessary travel should be undertaken until further notice, the county said.
Residents should exercise extreme caution during evening commutes and avoid driving over flooded roads.
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.
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.
