The Rochester area is expected to see heavy rains this week from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. Combined with another weather system moving into the region, flash flooding and flooding could occur.
Parts of the Rochester area could receive 2 to 4 inches of rain Friday, with local rainfall in the 6-inch range possible, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. About 1 inch of rain is expected in Rochester between Thursday night and Friday evening, weather service forecasters said.
But how much rain will there be in western and central New York State by the end of Friday?
Here’s the breakdown:
How much rain will there be in New York during the storm?
Less than half an inch – Parts of Monroe, Orleans, Erie and Chautauqua Counties.
Half inch to 1 inch – Portions of Monroe, Livingston, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Erie, Niagara and Cattaraugus Counties.
1 to 1.5 inches – Parts of Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Allegany and Wayne Counties.
1.5 to 2 inches – In the west of New York State, parts of Ontario, Wayne, Livingston, Allegany, Oswego Jefferson and Lewis Counties. In the center of New York State, also parts of Steuben, Yates and Broome Counties.
2 to 3 inches – In the west of New York State, parts of Ontario, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis Counties. In the center of New York State, also parts of Steuben, Yates, Seneca, Onondaga, Cortland, Tompkins, Schuyler, Tioga and Broome Counties.
3 to 4 inches – Parts of Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, Tompkins, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oswego and Lewis Counties.
Flood warnings issued for the Rochester, NY area
Parts of Ontario, Wayne and Cayuga counties — along with other parts of the Empire State — are under a flood warning Friday morning through Saturday morning because excessive rainfall is forecast, according to the weather service. The same flood warning is also in effect for Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties.
A flood warning will also apply to parts of the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier starting Friday, including Seneca, Steuben and Yates counties.
Meteorologists say excessive runoff can cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas. Streams and creeks may overflow their banks.
Major flood risk shifts to the northeast
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham advises people in the valleys and other flood-prone areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast to prepare for possible flash flooding as the remnants of Debby are expected to bring 4 to 8 inches of rainfall in some areas.
“People should be prepared to seek higher ground, know an evacuation route and have a plan in place,” Buckingham warned.
AccuWeather meteorological experts warn that families and businesses along Debby’s path should be prepared not only for the risk of flash flooding and beach hazards, but also for possible power outages and significant impacts to travel.
According to a press release from the agency, AccuWeather predicts around 5,100 flight cancellations between Thursday and Saturday.
