Major flooding in Cayuga County; Port Byron among hardest hit

On Friday, as warm air held on in the Finger Lakes — several communities in Cayuga County were hit hard by flooding.

While the National Weather Service reported that an ice jam along the Seneca River caused flooding from Montezuma to Port Byron and Weedsport, the excessive rainfall did not help matters.

As of 10:30 am on Friday, the river had reached minor flood stage. To complicate matters, more than a foot of snow is expected in parts of the region. While Cayuga County may see lesser snowfall totals when all is said and done, the damage done in Port Byron was clear by the photos on social media.

Route 20 in Skaneateles was closed near County Line Road, according to the Auburn Citizen. They reported that Bonta Bridge Road was also shut down for part of the day. Cayuga County officials said that West Genesee Street Road between Half Acre Road and Experimental Road in Aurelius was also shut down on Friday.

Reports indicated around 4 pm that part of Turnpike Road was washed out near Route 34. However, that was not confirmed. Roads in Sterling and Mentz were also shut down temporarily due to runoff.

– Read more from the Auburn Citizen

Frank Chiarilli looks out over his flooded back yard of his Utica Street home in Port Byron. pic.twitter.com/PMUETQ37bz

— Kevin Rivoli (@KevinRivoli) January 12, 2018

It sounds like the worst flooding is in the village of Port Byron, where officials have requested more manpower and an inflatable boat. At least six other county departments were just called to the area to help.

— Megan Blarr (@CitizenBlarr) January 12, 2018

Just got off the phone with Mentz Highway Superintendent David Nielens who said several roads are experiencing bad runoff in the town. Crews are heading to the village office building in Port Byron, which is dealing with some major flooding. More at https://t.co/s7gP4E7AYU.

— Megan Blarr (@CitizenBlarr) January 12, 2018