(WNY News Now) – Buffalo, NY – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Buffalo has issued a Flood Watch for Niagara and Northern Erie counties, effective through late tonight. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as rising water levels and ice movement on Lake Erie and the Niagara River may lead to flooding.
Potential Flooding from Ice Jams
The combination of strong southwesterly winds and increasing water levels caused by a lake seiche is pushing ice along Lake Erie’s shoreline and into the Niagara River. This movement may result in the formation of ice jams, potentially leading to flooding in low-lying areas, particularly on Grand Island and along the immediate lakeshore.
Areas at Risk
This alert impacts western New York, including:
- Niagara County
- Northern Erie County
Key concerns include potential ice shoves along Lake Erie’s shoreline and ice jams forming downstream along the Niagara River.
Safety Instructions
Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor updates and be prepared to act quickly if conditions worsen. Those living along the immediate lakeshore or the Niagara River are advised to:
- Secure property in low-lying areas.
- Stay updated on local forecasts and alerts.
- Visit weather.gov/safety/flood for tips and resources.
The Flood Watch will remain in effect until 4:00 AM on January 28.
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