Southern Tier sees the worst of tropical storm

SOUTHERN TIER--As Tropical Storm Fred made its way across New York, Steuben County in particular experienced widespread flash flooding Wednesday evening and night, Aug. 18, and resulted in the governor declaring a state of emergency in the aftermath of the damage.
A 17-person swift water rescue crew including the Department of Environmental Conservation, State Police and Office of Fire Prevention and Control personnel was deployed and responded to multiple flooded homes in six different municipalities. Local fire departments and highway crews worked around the clock to assist residents. Steuben County is estimating more than 120 homes were damaged by floodwaters.
The towns of West Union, Woodhull, Troupsburg, Tuscarora, Greenwood, Canisteo, Hornellsville, and Jasper were all areas where travel was prevented due to the storm.
During the overnight hours, swift water rescue teams assisted eight people from homes in the town of Addison, where the southern portion of the village was evacuated due to high floodwaters along Tuscarora Creek. Local and state roads in the area were closed, including portions of State Routes 417, 36 and 248. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control also responded to a Norfolk Southern train derailment, though no injuries were reported.
American Red Cross shelters were immediately opened in the area to assist residents.
Along Keuka Lake, Yates County saw a number of water issues primarily occurring after culverts were plugged with debris and caused localized flooding. Guyanoga Road from Branchport to Belknap Hill Road was closed as was State Route 54 between Second Milo and Bellis Road. NYSEG reported a natural gas disruption to approximately 144 customers after a gas line was exposed due to erosion from floodwaters.
The high waters in all the lakes after the rainfall resulted in multiple boating advisories from sheriffs. A no-wake and five mile per hour speed limit was imposed to minimize dock damage and shoreline erosion.
The National Weather Service released a rainfall map showing observed totals across the storm area with totals ranging from 6.10 to 7.64 inches in the highest impacted areas. However, localized totals that exceed observed sites are not uncommon in severe weather events.