Village of Liberty Declares State of Emergency as Flash Flooding Closes Roads

LIBERTY, N.Y. —The Village of Liberty declared a local state of emergency Tuesday evening after heavy rainfall caused flash flooding, forcing road closures and prompting emergency crews to respond across the community.

Mayor Joan Stoddard issued the emergency declaration effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday, citing hazardous conditions created by intense rainfall and localized flooding. The declaration is intended to help protect the health, safety and welfare of residents as emergency personnel continue monitoring conditions and responding to flooding throughout the village.

Balsam Drive and Charles Street have been closed because of flooding, according to village officials. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Officials warned that additional road closures could occur as rainfall continues and conditions change.

Village officials are urging residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways, remain alert for changing weather conditions and monitor official Village of Liberty communications for updates on road closures and emergency information.

The declaration comes as the National Weather Service has a Flood Watch in effect through Wednesday evening for Sullivan County and surrounding portions of central New York and northeastern Pennsylvania. Forecasters warn that multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to move through the region, with the heaviest downpours capable of producing rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Meteorologists said excessive rainfall could lead to flash flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas, while small streams and creeks could rise quickly and overflow their banks. Storm totals of 2 to 3 inches are expected across much of the region through Wednesday, with isolated amounts of 3 to 6 inches possible in parts of the Catskills where repeated heavy downpours occur.

Image Credit: Hudson Valley Weather