The recent inclement weather has brought water levels to six to eight feet in the area of Exchange Street in West Albany where some residents are evacuating their homes due to their homes being flooded up to the first floor, according to a press release from the Town of Colonie.
The town, along with the Red Cross, has established an emergency reception area located at the West Albany Fire House on Sand Creek Road. The National Grid has shut off the gas and electricity in the area, according to the release.
The roads in the lower Exchange area are currently closed and will remain so until further notice.
The release also said that areas near Lisha Kill Creek and Boght road have minor flooding.
Town Supervisor Paula Mahan said in the release that there Town’s Public Works Department and local fire departments are standing by to begin pumping operations once the water begins to go away.
The town has asked those who smell an odor of natural gas to call 911 and residents with their basement flooded should call the Colonie Police Department 783-2811.
Those seeking more information on the emergency reception area should contact the West Albany Fire House at 438-4750
UPDATE:
The Town of Colonie has announced things are back to normal after it experienced flooding in Exchange Street in the West Albany area.
I am proud of the hard work of our Town employees and our volunteer fire departments in responding to a serious situation, said Mahan in a press release. `This was a very severe storm, and fortunately no one was hurt.`
All roads are said to be drivable and the Town’s Highway Department’s street sweepers are currently cleaning up any remaining debris left from the storm.
In an effort to help residents get back into their homes, local fire departments are pumping water from basements located in the West Albany area. The Fire Services Department said most homes appear to be habitable but will be inspected by Town building inspectors and independent electrical inspectors before National Grid can turn the power back on.
The Fuller Road, Schuyler Heights and Latham Fire Departments assisted the West Albany Fire Department in water pumping, along with the Town’s Pure Waters Department who sent a large volume pump.
At 4:22 a.m., the first fire call was reported at Exchange and Sumpter streets due to flooding.
There are around 16 people who took shelter in the emergency reception area located at the West Albany Fire House where the Red Cross will continue to stay until everyone has left.
Those still experiencing flooding in their basements should contact the Colonie Police Department.
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