Flood Warning Update -- 11am, February 25, 2018

Feb 25, 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 Sunday, February 25, 2018 on flooding along the St. Regis River:

WATER LEVEL -- Data provided by the USGS water-monitoring station in Brasher Center reported the water level for the St. Regis River declined overnight. The water flow for Hogansburg is currently estimated at 4,300cfs (cubic feet per second)—down 810cfs from Saturday, February 24, 2018. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects water flows should remain steady, but may see a slight increase on Tuesday, February 26, 2018 due to precipitation this morning. Water flows will resume a steady decline through the coming days.

CURRENT WEATHER -- At 4:44 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2018, the National Weather Service in Burlington, VT issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 1:00 p.m. this afternoon due to mixed precipitation. Total snow and sleet accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of one inch are expected. The mixed precipitation will result in difficult travel conditions and reduced visibility.

ROAD CLOSURES – The Unified Incident Command Post reported at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2018 that the following roadways remain closed: Church Street (at the St. Regis Mohawk School) and entire Grey Street due to a washout. Please DO NOT drive around, move, steal of vandalize road barriers or signs. Road barriers have been placed for the safety of travelers, as water on roadways pose a risk to vehicles and all-terrains (ATVs) due to hidden debris or washouts.

PUBLIC HEALTH - Floodwaters are considered hazardous material and may contain fuel and other harmful substances. As a result, Franklin County Public Health Department will be offering FREE tetanus vaccines today from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Tribe’s Office for the Aging (aka Senior Center) in Hogansburg. They have arranged for 278 vaccinations, so shots will be conducted on a “first come first serve” basis. Please wear a short-sleeved shirt. You may register in advance at www.health.ny.gov/Go2Clinic/17.

HOME ASSESSMENTS — Residents who have been evacuated are instructed that they cannot return or enter their homes until assessments have been conducted. Information on when it is safe to return will be provided by the Unified Incident Command. If you know someone who has been evacuated, please share this instruction. Some evacuees have been cleared to return, with more anticipated today. Response to the St. Regis River flooding will be a long-duration event, so they encourage community members to please consider providing temporary lodging for any displaced family members or friends.

FLOOD CLEANUP KITS – For households impacted by flooding, Red Cross is distributing FREE flood cleanup kits and personal comfort kits for those who continue to be displaced. The kits are available today from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Tribe’s Office for the Aging (aka Seniors Center).

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE – The Unified Incident Command Post is currently monitoring two ice jams located upstream in the area of Helena. They have made more sandbags available for FREE due to the possibility of the ice jams to become dislodged and travel downstream to Hogansburg. Sandbags can be picked up at your convenience and are located on the right side of Tribe’s Maintenance Building, as well as behind the Tribe’s Animal Control pens on the building’s left side.

The Unified Incident Command is reminding individuals 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 are instructing individuals to stay away from flood areas and closed roadways, as water levels and ice jams remain unpredictable. Please remain vigilant and cautious for changing conditions.

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.

PHOTO CAPTION: Akwesasne residents continue to monitor that St. Regis River for the possibility of more ice jams that already impacted 30 homes and displaced 78 residents.

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