Flood Warning Issued for Tonawanda Creek in Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming Counties

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Buffalo NY has issued a Flood Warning for Tonawanda Creek at Batavia. The alert was issued on March 8 at 10:15 AM EDT and remains in effect until March 9 at 1:31 AM EDT.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following regions in New York:

• Erie County
• Genesee County
• Niagara County
• Wyoming County

Specific geographic impacts are centered on Tonawanda Creek at Batavia, including rural areas of Alexander and the lowlands of the Alabama Swamps.

What You Should Do

Residents and motorists are advised to follow the safety mantra: “Turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Additionally, caution is urged for anyone walking near riverbanks. Avoidance of flooded areas is recommended.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is forecast for the region. As of 10:00 AM EDT on Sunday, the river stage was recorded at 8.93 feet. The flood stage for this area is 9.0 feet.

Anticipated impacts include:

• Batavia: Possible flooding in Kibbe Park, Walnut Street, and Law Street.
• Rural Areas: Flooding in Alexander and the Alabama Swamps lowlands, with road closures likely.
• River Levels: The river is expected to rise above flood stage late this morning, reaching a crest of 9.1 feet this afternoon.

Timeline

• Alert Effective: March 8, 2026, at 10:15 AM EDT
• Flood Onset: Expected to begin around 11:33 AM EDT on March 8
• Crest: Expected this afternoon, March 8
• Recession: The river is forecast to fall below flood stage this evening
• Warning Expiration: March 9, 2026, at 1:31 AM EDT