After the massive snow storm that swept the northeastern portions of the country, especially New York, flooding risks are said to be on the rise as temperatures climb and fallen snow melts Monday.
"Residents of Upstate New York are braced for another weather crisis as a year's worth of snow begins to melt, which is expected to cause significant flooding," The Independent reported.
The publication also noted that the the epic snow storm that plagued New York State's Buffalo area resulted in 13 deaths last week, where over 7 feet of snow descended on the western area of the state for over 3 days.
"The National Weather Service has now issued a flood warning to residents lasting until Wednesday due to the melting snow, while officials have warned that another major concern now is threat of roof collapses in the area. Reports suggest more than 30 roofs have already collapsed," the news source added.
Meanwhile, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told residents last weekend to "stockpile food and flashlights and clear drains of leaves" before it gets warmer in the next couple of days, the Los Angeles Times said.
"He also warned residents to watch and listen for structural damage to their homes when the snow, which can hold the equivalent of 4 to 6 inches of rain water, begins to melt Sunday. The snow is already starting to compact down to about 5 feet in some areas," the publication also relayed.
According to News.com.au, the flood warning "was in effect in northern Erie, Genessee, Wyoming, Chatauqua, Cattaraugus, southern Erie counties, including the cities of Buffalo, Batavia, Warsaw, Jamestown, Olean, Orchard Park and Springville."
No less than 500 National Guard troops are reportedly still clearing the highways and other roads. Some of the travel bans have since been suspended while officials have started to successfully assist drivers in locating their cars, which were abandoned during the snow storm and had clogged the highways.
News.com.au said that many of those who lost their lives in the unusual weather event were in the process of clearing snow from their properties when tragedy struck.
Gov. Cuomo had also said that the state will be "sending in pumps, boats, helicopters and high-axle vehicles that can operate in up to 5ft of water" in anticipation of the flood once the snow melts, The Independent noted.
Meanwhile, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarnz said that up to 5-6 feet of water may inundate some areas within a short time period.
"Officials have urged people to put off any non-essential travel so that snow removal efforts could progress, and dump trucks, military vehicles and front loaders have been seen rumbling through the streets of Buffalo as they strive to remove the walls of snow in the area," the British publication added.
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