Delaware County was among several counties included in a request for disaster aid for damages caused in August by Tropical Storm Debby.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Saturday, Sept. 7, requested a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden to support ongoing recovery efforts of communities impacted by the severe weather caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby that occurred on Aug. 8 – 10, according to a news release from Hochul’s office. If granted by the federal government, the declaration would provide federal funding for Allegany, Broome, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Ontario, Steuben, St. Lawrence and Yates counties to cover debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.
“After Tropical Storm Debby caused widespread damages across New York State, I’m requesting an emergency declaration from our federal partners to bring help to the communities in need,” Hochul said. “We must provide relief to areas impacted by the storm, and my administration will take every measure necessary to ensure their speedy and full recovery.”
Locally, roads flooded and thousands of people were left without electric power as the storm came through.
A major disaster declaration would secure financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to local governments and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby produced severe rainfall causing major flooding, particularly in the Southern Tier, Central New York and the North Country. The National Weather Service observed 5.38 inches of rain in less than 12 hours in Steuben County and widespread rainfall rates of 2-2.5” per hour across multiple counties, the release stated. Additionally, the National Weather Service placed 17 New York counties under a flood watch, and a tornado watch was issued to 26 counties. During the event, 20 flash flood warnings were issued, including two flash flood emergencies, which indicate an imminent threat to life safety.
The heavy rainfall and flooding significantly damaged or destroyed transportation systems, critical public infrastructure and private property, the release stated. People were evacuated from their homes and shelters were set up by American Red Cross and local governments. Local roadways and bridges were completely submerged or washed out throughout the impacted areas, which will take weeks or months to repair. Straight line winds and microbursts uprooted mature trees and caused damages throughout the affected counties. Many roadways were deemed unpassable due to downed trees and debris or structural damage and full washouts. Heavy rainfall washed out shoulders, causing culverts to plug up which led to widespread flooding to roadways and the surrounding areas. Strong winds downed trees and damaged power lines which caused widespread power outages.