Cleanup work continues after Halloween storm, floods

On Saturday, the second morning after the Halloween storm that caused widespread flood damage in the Mohawk Valley region, emergency response and cleanup efforts were still underway.

Between 7 p.m. Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday, county officials estimate that 4 to 6 inches of rain fell across the area causing dangerous flooding conditions for neighborhoods as well as the death of one man in Herkimer County.

As flood-related recovery operations continued Saturday morning, tactical rescue crews from Utica and Oriskany were seen at work along Route 12 North near the Utica Marsh between 10 a.m. and noon.

Information of the exact activity was not immediately available from authorities.

In Whitesboro, road crews were seen continually cleaning up mud-covered roads as other roadways remain closed due to floodwater.

Oneida County emergency communications continue to relay information regarding water-filled cellars and the need for water pumping.

As activity is ongoing, some first responders are already taking stock of the situation.

In a Facebook post published this morning from the Willowvale Fire Company, the department notes, "In just under twenty-four hours, the members of the Willowvale Fire Company responded to nearly 1/4 of our total call volume for the year. From the time that the first call for flooding came in (shortly after 8:00 p.m. on October 31st), firefighters and ladies auxiliary members staffed the fire house and responded to each and every 911 dispatched call and all that came in on private lines until the last call was cleared (just after 7:30 p.m. on November 1st)."

Looking to a more broad picture of regional storm damage, state officials say hikers should avoid backcountry trails and summits throughout the Adirondacks because of extensive storm damage.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says heavy rain caused major flooding that damaged roads throughout the Adirondacks Thursday night and Friday. High winds brought down trees and power lines.

The department expects downed trees will block trails and high water will make stream crossings impassible. Officials say footbridges may be washed out and rock slides are possible on summits.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story will be updated.

Contact reporter Jolene Cleaver at 315-792-4956 or follow her on Twitter (@OD_Cleaver).

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