Potential storms continue to threaten flood area

YATES COUNTY--In the wake of a storm that flooded Penn Yan and Branchport Tuesday, May 13 and early Wednesday, May 14, area officials continue to be on alert as forecasts call for more storms later in the week. Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike said emergency responders have been working all day Wednesday, May 14 repairing the damage and debris left by the flooding. The Penn Yan Central School District will also remain closed a second day Thursday, May 15.
Spike said officials are concerned regarding the forecasts predicting itinerant storms tonight and tomorrow and a possible major rain storm for Friday which could worsen conditions. Spike has issued a boaters advisory for Keuka Lake which has tree trunks, limbs, docks and other debris floating in the lake. The Steuben County Sheriff's Department has also issued a boat advisory, warning residents of both counties to use extreme caution while boating. All highway departments in Yates County will be back in action addressing roads and debris tomorrow.
"We are hopeful that many volunteers, first responders, highway crews, 911 dispatchers and police can get a night’s sleep, as most have been going nonstop for more than 24 hours," Spike said.
Official state of emergencies have been declared by Yates County Chairman Tim Dennis, Penn Yan Mayor Leigh MacKerchar, Jerusalem Supervisor Patrick Killen and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Rains and strong winds commenced in the evening and 911 Dispatch received its first storm related call at 8:54 p.m. of wires down and several lightning strikes, etc. The rains and wind were heaviest between 10 to 11 p.m. last evening where flash flooding commenced lasting into the morning hours flooding basements. Multiple town roads in several townships remain closed due to flooding. One county road -- Guyanoga Valley Road -- remains closed at this time.” In the village of Penn Yan, portions of Elm Street, Seneca Street, Basin Street and Champlain Avenue remain closed to all traffic. Extensive roadway damage exists.
The former Owls Nest community Center, a large building which collapsed near the buckled parking lot of Basin Street is in the process of being torn down completely. Fire police remain on the scene. Highway and street department crews for the village of Penn Yan, all townships and the county and state highway departments have worked all day opening roads from debris and repairing driveway culvert pipes. The village of Penn Yan municipal department reports the village sewer system has operated without trouble throughout the storm.
The office of emergency management is coordinating damage assessments, critical infrastructure concerns, decontamination, and first responder needs, etc.