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topicnews · September 23, 2024

Wellsville declares state of emergency due to flash floods

Wellsville declares state of emergency due to flash floods

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| USA TODAY Network

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(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Flash flooding occurred in the Wellsville area on Saturday evening, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for southern Allegany County.

The City of Wellsville declared a state of emergency as of 7:15 p.m. The National Weather Service’s flash flood warning was extended to 12:30 a.m. from the original estimate of 10:15 p.m.

“Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding,” the National Weather Service said around 8:30 p.m. “It will take several hours for all of the water from these storms to disappear through local sewer systems in urban areas.”

As of 7:43 p.m., up to 3.5 inches of rain had fallen, with another 0.5 inches possible, according to the National Weather Service. Flash flooding occurred in Wellsville, Whitesville, Scio, Andover, Belmont and Stannards.

Heavy rain and hail hit the area on Saturday evening as a powerful thunderstorm moved through the county.

The Genesee River was not expected to flood. The level at the Wellsville gauge rose from 4.31 feet earlier in the day to 6.34 feet by 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening.

The National Weather Service warned that sudden flooding could occur in small streams and rivers, in urban areas, on highways, roads and underpasses, and in other poorly drained and low-lying areas. Water levels in streams and rivers could continue to rise even after the threat of heavy rains has passed, the National Weather Service warned.

The Wellsville Fire Department reported that it is working on several weather-related calls throughout the village and town.

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“Please use caution during the trip,” the Wellsville Fire Department said.

– This is a developing story and may be updated.

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