Flood Warning Update -- 11am; February 23, 2018

Feb 23, 2018

AKWESASNE — The Unified Incident Command Post; comprised of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Planning Office, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department and Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, with support from county and state agencies; issued the following update on the flood warning that remains in effect for the St. Regis River in Akwesasne.

Data from the USGS water monitoring station in Brasher Center reported the St. Regis River has begun to recede following its peak of 9.56 feet at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2018. The water level currently stands at 8.62 feet (as of 9:30 a.m.) however, individuals are asked to be cautious as water levels and ice jams remain unpredictable.

At 6:41 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018; the National Weather Service extended the Flood Warning for the St. Regis River until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018. This has been combined with a Winter Weather Advisory issued at 9:31 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018 for mixed precipitation until 5:00 p.m. this evening. The Unified Incident Command Post asks travelers to please be prepared for slippery roads and for residents to be aware of any possible increase in water levels.

The Unified Incident Command Post reported at 6:27 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018 that the following roadways remain closed due to high water levels and ice jams along the St. Regis River: Church Street (at the St. Regis Mohawk School), Helena Road (between Frogtown Road and Solomon Road), North Road (between Route 37C and Solomon Road), St. Regis Road (between McGee Road and Route 37, and the entire Grey Street. The following roads have reopened: Route 37C (in both directions), McGee Road (to the village of St. Regis) and Route 37 (including the Hogansburg Bridge).

Around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018; a power outage was experienced that impacted approximately 225 households in the vicinity of Cook Road, McGee Road, St. Regis Road, Route 37 and the hamlet of Hogansburg. National Grid responded and reported at 10:00 a.m. this morning that electricity has been restored to all affected customers.

The Unified Incident Command Post reminds local residents that the State of Emergency issued by the Tribal Council at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018 remains in effect until the declaration is rescinded. They highly encourage individuals to stay away from the flood areas and closed roadways to allow first responders to assist with evacuations. At this time, no individuals are being permitted to return to their residence until an assessment is conducted to determine the structure’s safety. They are also continuing to compile a list of homes that will require assistance with pumping basements and cleanup following the flood warning.

The Unified Incident Command Post 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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