BUFFALO, N.Y. — Families rushed to pack up their valuables and schools closed in advance — not of snow but possible flooding.
Temperatures were expected to hit nearly 60 degrees Monday, causing Buffalo area residents to prepare for evacuations caused by runoff from melting snow, and overflowing creeks.
"Hopefully the rain won't be here until later and this will be a slow thaw, but flooding is our major, major concern here," said Michelle Pikula, whose house is along the Buffalo Creek.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Monday and cautioned that trees weakened by heavy snowfall and saturated soil could come crashing down. High wind gusts of up to 60 mph also could topple electrical wires and trigger power failures. Forecasts call for rain showers Monday and a chance of rain and snow showers by early Tuesday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday warned residents in flood-prone areas around Buffalo to move valuables up from the basement, pack a bag and prepare for the possibility of evacuation.