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Steuben County declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon as persistent rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby triggered widespread flash flooding and dangerous road conditions.
The county also issued an emergency order for the evacuation of the hamlet of Woodhull along the Tuscarora Creek, as well as the hamlet of Jasper due to leaking propane storage tanks. All residents in the hamlet of Jasper and within a half mile of the hamlet should evacuate the area immediately.
"Flash flooding upstream has damaged property and will threaten the safety of residents downstream," stated the Office of Emergency Management. "All residents should head to higher ground immediately."
County officials said multiple roads in the county are impassable and emergency responders are handling dozens of calls.
As part of the county-wide state of emergency, residents were asked to avoid unnecessary travel until further notice.
In Greenwood, officials declared a local state of emergency, prohibiting all travel in the town.
"Residents should stay off the road until further notice, unless absolutely necessary, to ensure that emergency vehicles and public works equipment can respond to the emergency," stated the Steuben County Office of Emergency Management. "Highway and fire officials are out and working. Please do not call 911 unless it is for a true emergency."
Water runoff covers much of a street in North Hornell Friday as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby moved through the Southern Tier.
Southern Steuben County hit with 'life-threatening flash flood'
The states of emergencies were declared as the county remains under a flash flood warning until 6 p.m. and a flood watch until late tonight.
According to the National Weather Service, at 12:42 p.m., emergency management personnel reported major flooding along the Tuscarora Creek in southern Steuben County. Roads and homes were reportedly flooded.
"Everyone near Tuscarora Creek should move to higher ground. This is a life-threatening flash flood!" warned the National Weather Service. "Jasper, Woodhull are particularly hard-hit. The village of Addison could see significant flooding soon."
More: Debby spurs flash flood warnings for Steuben, Allegany, Livingston counties. What to know.
The National Weather Service said more than an inch of rain had already fallen in some areas by 9:30 a.m., with more on the way.
Steuben County's state of emergency will remain in effect until further notice.
-- This story may be updated as more information is available. You can also follow along with our live storm blog here.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Flooding: State of emergency, evacuation orders in Steuben County
