Wednesday afternoon’s massive downpour is causing streams and rivers to flood throughout Essex County. While returning from Plattsburgh this afternoon I was intercepted at exit 33 by local fire and rescue volunteers redirecting traffic to Essex via the Lewis exit. I was advised that flooding is widespread, and that I should be cautious near all waterways. Slow speeds are essential on flooded roadways to avoid hydroplaning or worse.

Although morning showers appeared to dissipate midday, several successive deluges in the afternoon delivering large volumes of rainfall and runoff were simply too much for streams and drains to accommodate. Traffic on the Northway crept along at 15-20 MPH for most of my northbound drive because the pavement was flooded and visibility was grossly diminished even with wipers operating at high speed.

Travel with Caution in Flood Prone Areas

The photograph above is taken along Rt. 9 south of the Willsboro Mountain exit, and it is just one of many examples of flooding in the area. Please travel safely and report flooded roads immediately to protect other drivers.

Although I was unable to photograph the flooding which prompted the closure of Rt. 22 over Willsboro Mountain, I did happen upon another closure on Blockhouse Road. Contact us with additional photos of flooded or washed out roads.

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