Episode Details

LIVINGSTON MANOR, N.Y. — Heavy rain that dumped an estimated 3 to 6 inches of precipitation across parts of the Catskills has triggered widespread flooding, road closures and emergency response operations in Sullivan County, with some communities experiencing significant damage Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service reported estimates of 3 to 6 inches of rainfall from Tuesday through overnight, with locally higher totals. Although rainfall is expected to diminish Wednesday, flooding continues due to runoff from the earlier storms.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the East Branch of the Delaware River at Hancock, in Delaware County, New York, and Wayne County, Pennsylvania, through late tonight. 

Minor flooding is expected as the river briefly rises above its 18-foot flood stage this afternoon before receding this evening. 

Low-lying areas near the river, including Peas Eddy Road, LaBarre Street, and parts of Fishs Eddy, could see flooding. If you live or travel near the river, use caution and never drive through flooded roadways.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. tonight across the Radio Catskill listening area.

The towns of Callicoon, Fremont and Rockland have declared states of emergency, as they're dealing with impacts from flash flooding. Roads are open, but unnecessary travel in those towns is discouraged.

Town of Rockland Supervisor Rob Eggleton said Livingston Manor – which sits at the confluence point of the Willowemoc Creek, Little Beaver Kill, and the Cattail Brook – saw “raging” waters on Tuesday. 

Willowemoc Creek near Livingston Manor reached about 10 feet around daybreak — roughly 8 feet higher than Tuesday morning. While water levels are expected to gradually recede, flooding impacts are expected to continue through at least midday.

Communities affected by flooding include Livingston Manor, Parksville, Roscoe, Rockland, Debruce, Lew Beach, Beaverkill Campground, Mongaup Pond Campground and Shandelee.

The National Weather Service also warned that the East Branch Delaware River at Margaretville and Bush Kill near Arkville continues to rise and is expected to reach minor flood stage later Wednesday. Areas including Margaretville, Fleischmanns, Arkville, Halcottsville and nearby campgrounds could experience flooding.

Rescue efforts underway

Town of Rockland Supervisor Rob Eggleton said the town’s emergency response team evacuated five people from their homes in Livingston Manor on Pearl Street after the structures flooded. The individuals sheltered at the Livingston Manor Presbyterian Church on Old Rte 17 on Tuesday evening, says Eggleton.

The Sullivan County Swift Water Rescue Team and Sullivan County Search & Rescue Team assembled at the North Branch Fire Station as emergency crews responded to flooding in Hortonville, North Branch, Livingston Manor and Cooks Falls.

The North Branch Fire Department said North Branch Road is closed between Stewart Road and Pleasant Valley Road until further notice while multiple agencies respond to emergency calls. Officials also urged motorists to avoid Buck Brook Road, where portions of the roadway were washed out overnight, as well as Hornung Road. Local highway departments continue to assess damage throughout the area.

Emergency officials are urging residents not to drive through flooded roadways.

Small businesses navigate persistent flooding

Evelyn Tetenes, owner of Evelyn’s Ice Cream Bar on Main Street in Livingston