Flood Warning Update -- 11am, February 24, 2018
Feb 24, 2018
AKWESASNE, NY — 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 this morning Saturday, February 24, 2018 on the State of Emergency that remains in effect due to severe flooding along the St. Regis River in Akwesasne.
Data provided at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018 by the USGS water monitoring station in Brasher Center reported the water level for the St. Regis River has remained stable overnight. The current water flow for Hogansburg is estimated at 5,110cfs (cubic feet per second), as supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is projected that water flows will decline beginning today into tomorrow before 0.50 inches of expected precipitation will see a slight increase tomorrow evening.
At 6:32 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018, the National Weather Service extended the Flood Warning for the St. Regis River until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018 due to ice jams accompanied by rain and snowmelt. The Unified Incident Command reports continued flooding along the St. Regis River extending to the northern border of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s jurisdiction.
The Unified Incident Command Post reported at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018 that the following roadways remain closed due to high water levels and ice jams: Church Street (at the St. Regis Mohawk School), Grey Street (due to a washout) and North Road (between Route 37C and Solomon Road) that is currently being cleaned by the Town of Brasher. The following roads have reopened, as of this morning: Mill Street, Pearl Street, Solomon Road, Route 37 and the Hogansburg Bridge, as well as the entire St. Regis Road.
For personal safety, the Unified Incident Command instructs travelers to avoid the flood areas and DO NOT remove the barriers placed on closed roadways. Roads that are still closed have not been assessed for safety and travelers should exercise caution by finding alternate routes. Individuals are instructed to stay away from flood areas and DO NOT kayak, canoe or walk in the water. Floodwaters are considered hazardous material, as ice jams have dislodged debris, including fuel and other harmful substances.
No donations or contributions are being accepted at this time however, that does not preclude community groups or individuals to coordinate separate efforts. The Unified Incident Command is continuing to be focused on responding to the flood warning and the safety of local residents.
The Tribe’s Division of Social Services reports that for the ongoing safety of 96 displaced residents their hotel stays have been extended until Monday, February 26, 2018 at the Comfort Inn in Akwesasne and the Quality Inn located in Massena. On Monday, a determination will be made based on home assessments for another extension. The Unified Incident Command is encouraging community members and others to please consider providing temporary lodging for any displaced family members or friends.
The Unified Incident Command is activating the Akwesasne Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to assist with response efforts. CERT members are instructed to please contact Katrina Jacobs, SRMT Emergency Planning Office, by calling (315) 296-2183 for reporting to duty and assignments.
Local residents are reminded 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 also highly encourage individuals to stay away from the flood areas and closed roadways, as water levels and ice jams remain unpredictable.
Should you require assistance, please call the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police at (518) 358-9200 or Franklin County Emergency Services at “9-1-1”.
Please listen 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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