Ice jams and flooding wreak havoc across Northern N.Y.

MORRISONVILLE | With warmer temperatures continuing today, several Northern New York areas are continuing to brace for potential flash flooding and ice jam impacts. Tuesday morning, an ice jam formed on the Saranac River in Morrisonville, prompting evacuations along River and Ladue Streets. Water moving downstream was in turn expected to bring rapid river rises in downtown Plattsburgh, where some areas were already feeling the impacts since Sunday. On Monday, the City of Plattsburgh posted video and commentary about an ice jam and seasonal flooding at McDonough Park, where ongoing mediation efforts are progressing to prevent future impacts. On Sunday, residents in the Town of Jay were alerted to the seasonal ice break on the East Branch of the Ausable River, where, despite a few jams, it eventually cleared with minimal impacts. Haselton Road was briefly closed due to the rising waters, but has since reopened. Four ice jams formed on the Great Chazy River as several campgrounds and residential properties experienced serious flood damage. Mooers Campground experienced significant damages and flooding. Longtime campers said the impacts there have been the worst they've seen in the last decade. Early Sunday morning, first responders were called to Dubois Road in Perry Mills, where rising water quickly flooded a local property. Champlain Fire Department officials credited the quick action and strategic coordination among area departments in combating the annual challenges. "While many think of fire departments strictly in terms of fire suppression, Champlain Fire Department is an all‑hazards department — prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies that impact our community," officials said. "Recent warm temperatures and rainfall led to localized flooding across the area. In this case, our crews worked alongside the Town of Champlain Highway Department to clear a frozen culvert that had become packed with thick winter ice. Once water flow was restored, CFD assisted the affected homeowner with pumping out the cellar and beginning remediation efforts." Later that day, in coordination with Clinton County Emergency Services and the U.S. National Weather Service Burlington, VT, Champlain crews monitored the Great Chazy River for an ice jam that had formed upstream of the USGS river gauge in Perry Mills. "These incidents highlight the broad scope of our mission. Whether it's fire, flood, rescue, hazardous conditions, or severe weather impacts — CFD stands ready to protect our community, day or night," officials said of the shared sentiment among area departments. Clinton and Essex counties remain under a flood watch through 2 p.m. Thursday. The National Weather Service in Burlington said that during a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. "You don't know how deep the water is. Even when water recedes, the ground may be unstable. Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road," officials said, as they advised drivers to turn around and never drive through barricades.

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Ice jams and flooding wreak havoc across Northern N.Y.

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