Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday that state agencies are keeping a close watch on Lake Ontario’s water levels due to extended periods of rainfall. Lake Ontario’s water levels currently exceed 247 feet, and experts predict further increases. In the past, the lake’s lowest points started flooding at approximately 248 feet.
Multiple agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, are collaborating to prepare resources to assist communities in case of potential flooding. These resources include sandbags, pumps, traffic barriers, barrels, and generators.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of proactive measures and coordination with local government partners along the lake to ensure communities impacted by previous flood events have the necessary resources and information to mitigate potential flooding this year. She also stated that the state would continue to work closely with local and federal partners to monitor Lake Ontario’s water levels and be prepared to deploy resources to protect residents and businesses from lakeshore flooding.
Officials note that water levels have not yet reached, and are not expected to reach, flood stages observed near Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in 2017 and 2019. New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said that while there are no active reports of flooding, and the state’s REDI projects have made the shoreline more resilient to high water, they continue to monitor water levels and are ready to provide resources to shoreline communities if necessary.
The following assets are available from regional stockpiles to help shoreline communities:
- 957 Water Pumps
- 1,474 Generators
- 20 Sandbaggers
- 1,589,805 Sandbags
- 403 Traffic Barriers
- 580 Traffic Barrels
- 35,224 feet of Aqua Dam
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