Local and county officials gearing up for potential ice jam flooding

Arctic air is still gripping the area, but local and county officials are already beginning to prepare for the arrival of milder weather and the potential for ice jam flooding.  The colder and snowier than normal winter has not helped matters according to Chautauqua County Emergency Services Director Julius Leone.  There's still plenty of snow and thick ice

Leone-Lots of snow and ice

As a result, county officials are reaching out to local communities that have flood prone areas. Among them, the village of Silver Creek.

Leone-County working with local communities

Sunset Bay near Cattaraugus Creek is another area that has a history of major ice jam flooding.  Leone says there are indications that this year is similar to 1978 when there was slow warm up and very little ice jam flooding.  However, they are not taking any chances.  He is encouraging residents in flood prone areas take the necessary preparations now, before any flooding hits.

Photo by Observer