Record warmth to dip in temps in 24 hours have officials keeping eye out for flooding
-->By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: January 31, 2013
From record warmth to cold and lake effect snow squalls, all in a mere 24 hours.
There were some reports of flooding and downed wires. But, overall nothing too damaging for now.
With the thaw we experienced yesterday to today's dip in temperatures, officials are monitoring flood-prone areas, especially along the Sauquoit Creek.
Eyewitness News spoke with the Oriskany Fire Department and they say it's been pretty quiet over the past 24 hours.
The winter weather is back to normal as Central New York experienced a quick thaw with temperatures in the 50s on Wednesday.
But, mix that with rain, high winds and a dip in temperatures flooding is bound to happen.
"What happens is along with the thawing you will sometimes get trees that falls down and it all collects in the bridges, so that ends up backing everything up," said Chief Jeff Burkhart of the Oriskany Fire Department.
Chief Burkhart says because of early prep work and evaluations they had very few calls for flooding.
He says they have to make sure the creeks and rivers are clear of debris. And with the cold weather, there are other factors to look out for.
"The ice will get clogged and it won't let anymore ice get through to the point where no water can get through. That is when it becomes dangerous because the water has no place to go and it spills out into the communities," said Burkhart.
The chief says this winter so far has been quiet because it's been so cold. With the snow coming our way, he says that shouldn't be a concern as long as the snow stops melting.
The only problems now are fallen trees and debris.
