Flash Flood — Broome, New York

2006-06-27 to 2006-06-28 · near Countywide, Broome, New York

Wider weather episode

Tropical moisture streaming into upstate New York ahead of a frontal system which moved westward into the eastern Great Lakes by Tuesday morning the 27th started the flash flood problems in western Broome County early Tuesday. The rain abated for a time during the day Tuesday before another batch of heavy rain fell Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning as the front moved back east and combined with a low pressure system moving up the eastern seaboard. This scenario spelled disaster for Broome County. Total rainfall for the three day period ending Wednesday was up to 9 inches, especially in the Conklin and Windsor areas, which were particularly hard hit. This additional heavy rain sent nearly all streams and creeks over their banks in what was the worst flash flooding this county has ever seen. The county's infrastructure was challenged as major flash flooding began around 5 pm EDT Tuesday and lasted into Wednesday afternoon. A total of at least 40 roads, 5 bridges, dozens of businesses and over 1800 homes were flooded. At least 800 homes in Broome County were destroyed Damages are estimated at 200 million dollars. All major highways in the Binghamton area were closed due to the flooding including Interstate 81, Route 17, Route 26 and Interstate 88. At least 6000 people were ordered to evacuate from both river and flash flooding. The Nanticoke Creek and Tracey Creek were among many creeks and streams causing major flooding. A state of emergency was declared Tuesday evening for Broome County. The National Guard was called out to assist in numerous water rescues, evacuations and to prevent looting. Hardest hit areas were Conklin, Kirkwood, Chenango Forks, Endicott, Vestal, Johnson City and Endwell. In Conklin, 50 percent of the business district was flooded. The National Guard had to airlift 300 people to safety who were stranded by flood waters as the evacuation shelter at the local high school became surrounded by flood waters. In Windsor, there were at least 100 people in shelters. Countywide over 3000 people were in shelters. In addition to the flash flooding, the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers, which flow into the Binghamton area were at record high levels Wednesday. The rivers challenged the levee system that protects the city of Binghamton as the water overtopped and undermined the levee in spots. Many homes, roads and businesses along the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers were severely impacted by flood waters from Windsor to Conklin, Kirkwood, Binghamton, Vestal, Endwell, Johnson City, and Endicott. The flood was the worst in Broome County history as the Susquehanna River broke previous record stages by 3 to 4 feet with river gauging going back almost 100 years. Fortunately no one was injured or killed in Broome County from the massive floods.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5519040. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.