Tropical Storm Debby May Bring Excessive Rainfall to Oswego County

OSWEGO COUNTY – Tropical storm Debby is moving up the mid-Atlantic coast this week and the National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated Oswego County could see heavy, potentially significant rainfall Friday and Friday night.

Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with some areas receiving nearly 6 inches, are possible with this storm, according to the National Weather Service-Buffalo Forecast Office which provides forecasts for Oswego County. While exact amounts and locations are still uncertain, the county could see flash flooding on local roads and river flooding risks.

“Excessive rainfall events in recent years, including several in 2023, have impacted Oswego County roads and residences with flash flooding,” Oswego County Emergency Management Office Director Cathleen Palmitesso said. “These events have flooded roadways, damaged culverts and bridges, washed out beaver dams, and flooded basements, and they are occurring more frequently. People should watch out for these hazards whenever heavy rains occur.”

Oswego County emergency response agencies are monitoring the forecasts and preparing for potential issues.

“People should be prepared for any emergency that may occur,” Palmitesso said. “This is a good time to check your disaster supplies kits and make sure they are up to date.”

People should take the following steps now:

• Stay informed. Follow weather.gov, local news stations or weather apps for updated forecasts.
• Update your family’s communications plan so members know how to connect during an emergency.
• Make sure the supplies in your disaster supplies kit are sufficient for a minimum of three days in case you need to leave your home.
• Charge your cell phones and other important electronics.
• Register your cell phone number to receive Hyper-Reach notifications from the Oswego County E-911 Communications Center. The Hyper-Reach service is used to notify residents of community alerts and local emergencies. Sign up at Hyper-Reach: Oswego County E-911: Community Sign Up, or visit the E-911 page on the Oswego County website, oswegocounty.com.

If flash flooding occurs in your area, follow these steps:

• Continue to stay informed. Follow the instructions of local officials.
• Call ‘911’ only in life-threatening emergencies.
• Get to higher ground if you are in an area that is subject to flooding.
• If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
• Practice electrical safety. Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises, get out immediately. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it.
• While driving, never drive over flooded roadways. Twelve inches of moving water can carry a small car away. Roadways may wash out under water and hazards such as broken pavement or drop-offs may not be visible.

For more information on planning for hazardous weather, go to www.oswegocounty.com/emo or www.ready.gov.

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