Heavy rain has inspired state authorities to issue disaster declarations for large areas of northern and central New York, including St. Lawrence County.

The most severe flooding appears to be to our south, but St. Lawrence County is on a list of counties in a state disaster declaration for flood impacted areas.

No serious flooding has been reported here. Some minor road flooding is evident, but nothing severe enough to merit their attention of the county Emergency Services office. Authorities there do say some flooded basements have been reported in Newton Falls, but nothing more serious than that has been reported to them so far.

The governor’s office said the state Office of Emergency Management is monitoring impacted areas and is ready to assist counties with rescue and recovery efforts.

The other counties on the list are Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Tioga, Schoharie, and Warren.

The entire region has been hit with heavy rain, and some flooding has been reported, including in Herkimer County, to our south.

State Police deployed a Huey helicopter with divers, and an airboat with dive team, to assist Montgomery and Herkimer counties.

Department of Environmental Conservation airboats have been placed on standby in Franklin County, in Lowville (Jefferson County), and elsewhere in the state.

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control Task Force II and other swift water rescue assets are operating in Herkimer County

New York National Guard has deployed high axle cargo vehicles and soldiers to assist Herkimer County in flood response operations

In addition, the American Red Cross has opened a shelter for displaced residents in Herkimer and Oneida counties.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer said, “With more rain in the forecast, there is a potential for more flooding in more areas in the region. We are asking people to stay alert, listen to emergency instructions and cooperate with local officials if needed.”