© 2024 WEOS
Finger Lakes Public Radio
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Rising Lake Ontario levels prompt emergencies along shore

WXXI News | By Associated Press
Published May 20, 2019 at 2:30 PM EDT
Gov. Cuomo speaking with officials in Olcott, Niagara County on Monday
Office of NY Gov. Cuomo
Gov. Cuomo speaking with officials in Olcott, Niagara County on Monday
Gov. Cuomo speaking with officials in Olcott, Niagara County on Monday
Credit Office of NY Gov. Cuomo
Gov. Cuomo speaking with officials in Olcott, Niagara County on Monday

OLCOTT, N.Y. (AP & WXXI News)  New York officials have declared a state of emergency for the counties along Lake Ontario as water levels continue to rise. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday directed state agencies to assist local governments and residents in responding to potential flooding in the coming days and weeks. Rising lake waters caused extensive damage in 2017, and work crews are fortifying flood-prone areas with barriers to avoid a repeat. 

A state of emergency has been declared in eight counties: Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wayne. 

State officials also are implementing a 5 mph speed limit for vessels operating within 1,000 feet of lake shore.

On Tuesday morning, this sign was up at the entrance to Silk O'Laughlin's in Irondequoit, which was closed for months due to flooding in 2017.
Credit Alex Crichton
On Tuesday morning, this sign was up at the entrance to Silk O'Laughlin's in Irondequoit, which was closed for months due to flooding in 2017.

Copyright 2019 WXXI News
Associated Press
The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.