Flood Warning Update -- 11am; February 22, 2018
Feb 22, 2018
AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Planning Office issued the following update in response to the flood warning that remains in effect for flood areas located along the St. Regis River:
A Unified Command has been established with the assistance of the Tribe’s Emergency Planning Office, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Services, Franklin County Office of Emergency Services, and the New York State Emergency Fire Unit has deployed the Tupper Lake Fire Department and the Malone Call Fireman.
Data from the USGS water monitoring station in Brasher Center reported the St. Regis River plateaued at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 22nd; with water and ice remaining in place. With the recommendation of the local Incident Commander, at 7:11 a.m. this morning the National Weather Service in Burlington, Vermont extended the flood warning for the St. Regis River until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22nd.
During this time, the following roads remain closed due to area flooding: St. Regis Road, Church Street, Helena Road, North Road, North Street, Gray Street, Mill Street, Pearl Street, Solomon Road and portions of Route 37C. Individuals are asked to please stay away from these flooded areas. Water levels and ice jams are unpredictable and the ability of first responders to assist residents in the flood areas should not be impeded.
The 72-hour precautionary evacuation issued by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council on Wednesday, February 21st also remains in effect. The evacuation order is a precautionary measure and is not mandatory however; residents in the flood area are encouraged to exercise caution. For assistance with evacuations, please contact the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police at (518) 358-9200 or Franklin Country Emergency Services at “9-1-1”.
Be prepared to evacuate and have needed medication, valuable documents, several changes of clothes and other essential items. Residents cannot immediately return after being evacuated. For individuals who require medications, please contact the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Health Services at (518) 358-3141 for replacements.
The Unified Command extends their appreciation for the cooperation of local residents and to local businesses and community members who have donated coffee, water, food, and other items as they continue to help keep our community safe.
Please listen and be alert for changing weather conditions and for further information and instructions on 97.3fm CKON, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Facebook page and website, as well as on Akwesasne TV.
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