Flash Flood — Steuben, New York

2003-07-22 · near Southwest Portion, Steuben, New York

Event narrative

The first indications of severe flooding occurred in the southwest portion of the Steuben county at around 145 pm EST from excessive rainfall. Over two days, between 6"-8" of rain fell in a southwest to northeast band across the southern half of the county. 2 to 4 inches of rain fell from nearly stationary thunderstorms in less than 3 hours during the early afternoon. Several rounds of thunderstorms went through on the 21st and 22nd. More than 20 state, county and town roads were closed or impassible including Interstate 86. Steuben County along with the Town of Campbell and Village of Arkport declared States of Emergency and requested no unnecessary travel. Interstate 86 was closed between exits 43 (Painted Post) and 42 (Coopers Plains) due to water over the Bridge at Meads Creek. Traffic was re-routed to State Route 415 until flash flood waters covered State Route 415 which stopped all east/west bound traffic through Steuben County. Thousands of vehicles on this main route were re-routed nearly 60 miles from Exit 52 in Horseheads to Exit 40 in Savona over alternate State routes. The Greater Steuben Chapter of the American Red Cross established an overnight shelter on the evening of July 22, 2003 and housed over 60 people.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5335010. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.