Severe storms Monday night brought flash flooding to parts of Yates County, causing road closures, property damage, and boating restrictions. State Route 54 briefly shut down due to high water but reopened by Tuesday morning.
Emergency crews responded quickly to pump basements, clear debris, and assess storm damage, especially along East Lake Road in Jerusalem, where several retaining walls were compromised. No evacuations were needed.
Sheriffs from Yates, Steuben, and Schuyler counties issued a boating advisory for Keuka, Waneta, and Lamoka lakes due to floating debris. The advisory was eased Wednesday but caution and reduced speeds remain strongly advised.
Flood repairs underway in Steuben County
Steuben County’s Department of Public Works is urgently repairing widespread road damage after flash floods struck the region the same day. Major issues were reported on County Routes 87 and 16, where floodwaters tore through pavement and drainage systems.
DPW crews are working around the clock, and officials urge drivers to expect delays, slow down near work zones, and never attempt to drive through standing water. Nearly 3 inches of rain fell in some areas, prompting a State of Emergency in multiple towns including Bath and Canisteo.
Emergency teams responded to dozens of weather-related calls, including a car that hydroplaned into standing water on I-86. No injuries were reported.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].