Steuben County declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon and ordered the evacuation of multiple towns as persistent rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby triggered widespread flash flooding and dangerous road conditions.
The county issued an emergency order for the evacuation of the hamlet of Woodhull along the Tuscarora Creek, as well as the hamlet of Jasper due to leaking propane storage tanks. All residents in the hamlet of Jasper and within a half mile of the hamlet were advised to evacuate the area immediately.
Later Friday afternoon, the county also ordered the evacuation of the southside of the Village of Addison along the Tuscarora Creek. All residents along the Tuscarora Creek between Woodhull and Addison were urged head to higher ground immediately.
"Flash flooding upstream has damaged property and will threaten the safety of residents downstream," stated the Office of Emergency Management.
A little after 5 p.m., the county ordered the additional evacuation of the hamlet of Campbell.
"Observations and river gauges indicate that (the) Cohocton River will reach moderate flood stage, placing multiple feet of water within the hamlet of Campbell and areas along the Cohocton River on County Route 125 and Savona Campbell Road," stated the Office of Emergency Management.
"All residents in the hamlet of Campbell and those along the Cohocton River on County Route 125 and Savona Campbell Road between Savona and Campbell should evacuate immediately."
Southern Steuben County was hit with similar flooding in August 2021 due to remnants of Tropical Storm Fred.
Evacuation orders lifted in Canisteo, Addison, Campbell
Steuben County lifted the evacuation orders for the villages of Addison and Canisteo at 6:30 p.m., allowing residents to return to their homes.
While flood waters have receded, portions of many roads in the area remain closed, so residents are urged to exercise extreme caution in their travels, the county said.
"When residents reach their home, if their natural gas service is not functioning, they are advised to call their natural gas provider," advised the county. "If residents smell the odor of natural gas, they should not enter the building, and should call 911 immediately."
The evacuation order for Campbell was lifted at 7:30 p.m. as the threat for severe flooding has passed.
The evacuation orders for the hamlets of Jasper and Woodhull remained in effect, as primary access roads remain closed.
WATCH:Dramatic videos capture intense flooding across Steuben County, Canisteo, upstate NY
How to get help if you're displaced or have home damage
A Red Cross shelter is being established at the Corning-Painted Post High School Fieldhouse. Addison Central School District buses were transporting impacted residents to the shelter Friday.
Another shelter "open to all individuals and families in need of essential services" has been established at Hornell High School located at 134 Seneca St. in Hornell.
Steuben County encourages residents with damages in need of assistance to reach out to the 211 Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 and providing their address, contact information and type of damages. Individuals will be connected with the appropriate community service organization that can assess with their needs.
These Steuben County roads closed under emergency order
Portions of 10 roads in Steuben County have been closed under an emergency order following extensive flash flooding in the southern part of the county.
The county issued the following road closures late Friday afternoon:
- State Route 248 from CR 60 to CR 98 Town of West Union
- County Route 126 from Reiman Rd to SR 417 Town of Greenwood
- County Route 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 to 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 roadways throughout Steuben County may also be damaged or impassable, the county advised. No unnecessary travel should occur until further notice, the county said.
Residents should exercise extreme caution during their evening commute and avoid driving through water-covered roads.
As part of the county-wide state of emergency, residents were asked to avoid unnecessary travel until further notice.
In Greenwood, officials declared a local state of emergency, prohibiting all travel in the town.
Southern Steuben County hit with 'life-threatening flash flood'
The states of emergencies were declared as the county remains under a flash flood warning until 6 p.m. and a flood watch until late tonight.
According to the National Weather Service, at 12:42 p.m., emergency management personnel reported major flooding along the Tuscarora Creek in southern Steuben County. Roads and homes were reportedly flooded.
"Everyone near Tuscarora Creek should move to higher ground. This is a life-threatening flash flood!" warned the National Weather Service. "Jasper, Woodhull are particularly hard-hit. The village of Addison could see significant flooding soon."
More:Debby spurs flash flood warnings for Steuben, Allegany, Livingston counties. What to know.
The National Weather Service said more than an inch of rain had already fallen in some areas by 9:30 a.m., with more on the way.
Steuben County's state of emergency will remain in effect until further notice.
-- This story may be updated as more information is available. You can also follow along with our live storm bloghere.
