Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today directed state agencies to deploy emergency response assets as a weather system is forecast to bring heavy rains, ice and potential flooding throughout much of upstate New York. Total rainfall amounts could reach up to three inches in the North Country and across the northern portions of Western New York, Central New York, and the Mohawk Valley. Heavy rain falling on nearly saturated ground and snowpack across higher terrain may cause excessive runoff, resulting in flooding of low-lying and urban areas, smaller rivers and streams. New Yorkers are being urged to use caution while traveling throughout the weekend and to closely monitor local weather reports.

“This storm system will deliver a significant amount of rain and ice across many portions of the state with the potential for flooding in some of our more problematic areas, so New Yorkers must take precautions this weekend when traveling,” Cuomo said. “I have directed state resources to take a proactive approach, and crews are already downing potentially hazardous tree limbs and clearing creeks and streams of debris to help lessen flooding concerns.”

Throughout Friday, mostly cloudy skies are expected with a chance of rain showers statewide, except in the Long Island and New York City Regions. The rain may mix with freezing rain in the Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier Regions, with sleet expected in the North Country and Southern Tier Regions and snow in the North Country Region. Temperatures will range from the low 40s to the low 50s. On Saturday, rain is expected to continue throughout the state, with temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the low 60s throughout the afternoon and dropping to high 20s to the mid-50s during the evening. As those temperatures drop, the potential for ice accumulation will persist in the northern portions of the North Country. By Sunday afternoon, there may be between one half to over an inch of ice accumulation in areas like Ogdensburg and Massena.

In terms of total rainfall, up to three inches of rain is possible by Sunday afternoon in portions of the North Country and the northern portions of the Mohawk Valley, Central New York, and Western New York Regions. Elsewhere, up to two inches is possible in the southern Western New York and western Finger Lakes Regions, and up to one and one half inches is possible throughout the rest of the Finger Lakes and Central New York Regions. Rain totals continue to decrease moving south, with less than a quarter inch expected in the New York City and Long Island Regions

Flood Watches are currently in effect from Friday evening through Sunday for more than 20 counties across upstate New York. A Flood Watch is issued when there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. New Yorkers should monitor forecasts throughout the weekend and be alert for possible flood warnings. For more forecast information or to view all issued watches, warnings and advisories, please visit the National Weather Service website.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office urged everyone to avoid kayaking, canoeing, and other water activities in the area’s creeks and rivers for the next three days. With the amount of rain predicted to fall throughout the area, water levels are expected to rise rapidly creating dangerous, and even deadly conditions.

Water levels in Cattaraugus Creek, especially within the Zoar Valley stretch, can experience reach as high as 6-feet above normal. The depth of the water, combined with the volume, will create treacherous conditions that will not allow for rapid rescue responses.

In addition to the increased water levels, the water temperature will remain dangerously cold hastening hypothermia once someone gets wet.

Further, individuals are asked to stay away from valley edges and cliff rims. The heavy rains, coupled with the thawing ground, will soften and loosen the soil increasing the likelihood of collapse and ground slides.