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State of Emergency declared in Wayne, Cayuga counties along Lake Ontario

After Sheriff Barry Virts and other leaders from Wayne County declared a state of emergency along the Lake Ontario shoreline; Sheriff Brian Schenck and leaders from Cayuga County did the same for shoreline in the Town of Sterling.

“Water levels in these areas continue to rise to levels that are creating a risk of flooding and shoreline damage,” Schenck said in a press release.

The announcement in Wayne County was made Friday afternoon as Sheriff Virts continued working with Wayne County Board of Supervisors’ Chairman and Sodus Town Supervisor LeRoy, Huron Town Supervisor Crane and Wolcott Town Supervisor Chatfield.

On Sodus Bay, effective Saturday, May 11th at 12:01 a.m. boaters must operate at idle speed only – causing no wake within 1,000 feet of shore. The same rules have been applied to Port, East, and Blind Sodus bays.

Virts says that the bays are currently reported at 247.9 feet.

“Although recent boat traffic has been minimal, increased boat traffic would create a hazardous situation, property damage and shore line erosion, Virts said in a press release. “Public safety concerns are floating debris and submerged obstructions usually visible, property damage and shore line erosion from high water level and motorized boat traffic wakes.”

On Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo was on Connections with Evan Dawson, discussing the flooding. He called on local homeowners to act, and speak with local officials before flooding occurs.


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