Flood Warning Issued for Erie and Niagara Counties Near Tonawanda Creek

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Buffalo, NY, has issued a Flood Warning for Tonawanda Creek at Rapids. This alert is in effect from Monday evening, March 9, through Tuesday morning, March 10.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically affects Erie and Niagara Counties in New York. The primary area of concern is Tonawanda Creek at Rapids, including the surrounding lowland farm areas between Rapids and the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

What You Should Do

Residents and motorists are advised to follow the safety slogan: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Additionally, exercise extreme caution when walking near riverbanks, as conditions may be unstable.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is forecast for the region. The river is expected to rise above the flood stage of 12.0 feet. Current projections indicate the creek will crest at 12.1 feet on Monday evening.

Impacts are expected to include:

• Lowland flooding of agricultural areas.
• Potential flooding on Fletcher Road, Burdick Road, Kelkenberg Road, and Tonawanda Creek Road.

Timeline

• Current Status: As of 10:00 AM EDT Sunday, the river stage was 7.92 feet (Bankfull stage is 10.0 feet).
• Onset: The river is expected to rise above flood stage Monday afternoon or evening (approximately 6:30 PM EDT).
• Crest: Expected Monday evening at 12.1 feet.
• Duration: The river is forecast to fall below flood stage early Tuesday morning. The warning is set to expire at 8:00 AM EDT on March 10.