St. Regis River Flood Update -- February 26, 2018

Feb 26, 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 today on flooding that displaced around 100 residents 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 is continuing to decline. The water flow for Hogansburg is currently estimated at 4,250cfs (cubic feet per second)—down 50cfs from Sunday, February 25, 2018. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts water flows to resume a steady decline to seasonal levels thru Wednesday, February 28, 2018. The Unified Incident Command Post however, is continuing to monitor two ice packs located upstream near McNeil Road and in the Town of Helena at Maple Ridge Road. They ask residents along the St. Regis River to remain vigilant and be alert for any changing conditions.

ROAD CLOSURES – The Unified Incident Command Post reports on Monday, February 26, 2018 that only two roads remain closed to all traffic: Church Street (at the St. Regis Mohawk School) and the entire Grey Street due to a washout. Leo Swamp Road still remains covered with water and is partially washed out. Traffic cones have been placed on Leo Swamp Road to direct traffic, while road barriers have been placed on Church Street and Grey Street. 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.

HOME ASSESSMENTS — Residents impacted by high water are reminded that floodwaters are considered hazardous material and may contain fuel and other harmful substances. Residents who have been evacuated are instructed DO NOT pump out their basements, nor return or enter their homes until assessments have been conducted. Home assessment of 30 homes impacted by high water began at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2018; with 10 homes cleared for individuals to safely return. At this time, assessments are focused on households with no or minimal damage for the quick return of residents. They are asking displaced residents to contact the Tribe’s Emergency Planning Office at (518) 358-2272 ext. 2210 or 2230 to schedule a time for an assessment to be conducted. Some households will require long-term mitigation, so the Division of Social Services will be working with individuals on accommodations. In the meantime, they continue to encourage community members to please consider providing temporary lodging for any displaced family members or friends.

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE – The Unified Incident Command Post is currently monitoring two ice jams located upstream. As a precaution, they have made more sandbags available for FREE, which 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.

#####