Rochester, NY – Residents from Rochester to Oswego face a flood threat Sunday as torrential rain sweeps across central and western New York, raising concerns for flash flooding on roads and in low-lying neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Flood Watch remains in effect for Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Oswego, Lewis, Livingston, Ontario, and Allegany counties from 11 a.m. Sunday through late tonight. Showers and thunderstorms, fueled by a slow-moving cold front, may dump over an inch of rain per hour in some spots—enough to overwhelm streams and drainage systems. Repeated storms over the same area could quickly turn streets and backyards into fast-rising flood zones.
Major highways, including I-390, I-490, and Route 104, could see hazardous conditions if heavy rain bands stall over the region. Emergency managers warn drivers to avoid water-covered roads and to expect possible detours. Homeowners in flood-prone areas should prepare by clearing gutters, moving valuables, and charging devices in case of power outages. Similar July floods in recent years left rural roads closed for hours…