AKWESASNE -- Tribal agencies are operating an incident command post as the St. Regis River has flooded and closed several roadways and knocked out power.

The Unified Incident Command Post includes the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Planning Office, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department and Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, with support from county and state agencies.

Data from the United States Geological Survey water monitoring station in Brasher Center reported the St. Regis River has begun to recede following its peak at 9.56 feet as of 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. The water level stood at 8.62 feet as of 9:30 a.m. Friday. Tribal authorities are still asking people to be cautious. They say water levels and ice jams remain unpredictable.

At 6:41 p.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service extended a flood warning for the St. Regis River until 7 p.m. on Friday. This has been combined with a winter weather advisory issued at 9:31 a.m. Friday for mixed precipitation until 5 p.m. Command post officials are asking travelers to be prepared for slippery roads and for residents to be aware of any possible increase in water levels.

At 6:27 a.m. Friday, several Akwesasne roadways remained closed due to high water levels and ice jams along the St. Regis River. They include Church Street at the St. Regis Mohawk School, Helena Road between Frogtown Road and Solomon Road, North Road between state Route 37C and Solomon Road, St. Regis Road between McGee Road and state Route 37, and all, of Grey Street. State Route 37C has reopened in both directions, as have McGee Road to the village of St. Regis and state Route 37, including the Hogansburg bridge.

Around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, a power outage impacted about 225 households in the vicinity of Cook Road, McGee Road, St. Regis Road, state Route 37 and the hamlet of Hogansburg. National Grid responded and reported at 10 a.m. Friday that electricity has been restored to all affected customers.

Command post officials say they are reminding local residents that a state of emergency issued by the Tribal Council at 5 p.m. on Thursday remains in effect until the declaration is rescinded.

“They highly encourage individuals to stay away from the flood areas and closed roadways to allow first responders to assist with evacuations,” according to a news release from the tribe. “At this time, no individuals are being permitted to return to their residence until an assessment is conducted to determine the structure’s safety. They are also continuing to compile a list of homes that will require assistance with pumping basements and cleanup following the flood warning.

“The Unified Incident Command Post extends their appreciation for the cooperation of local residents and to local businesses and community members who have donated coffee, water, food, and other items as they continue to help keep our community safe.”

Tribal officials say people can listen and be alert for changing weather conditions and for further information and instructions on 97.3 FM CKON, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Facebook page and website, and on Akwesasne TV.