Schenectady County and Rotterdam officials have issued a mandatory evacuation of residents in flood prone areas in Rotterdam Junction and Pattersonville.
County officials said the National Weather Service data indicates additional rain out west in addition to river debris, saturated soils and elevated river levels will lead to possible major flooding of the Mohawk River
Rotterdam Junction evacuation areas include:
- The south side of Main Street between the Rotterdam Junction Fire Department and Leggiero Lane
- 1516 through 1600 Main Street
- Ferry Street
- Elm Street
Schenectady County officials are also strongly advising residents in flood prone areas of Rotterdam, Glenville, Scotia, Niskayuna and Schenectady to evacuate as a precaution to possible flooding from the Mohawk River.
Many unknown factors including additional rain, river debris, saturated soils and elevated river levels of the Mohawk River hold a potential for moderate to major flooding. The biggest unknown, said officials, is potential debris dams at any of the Locks and bridges along the Mohawk. Residents surrounding areas are urdged to be vigilant and watch for possible rising water levels.
Residents listed in the below areas are advised to evacuate:
- Rotterdam Junction (expected cresting between 12am and 4am) – Due to the possible flooding of the east and west ends of 5S that would block the main evacuation route, it is recommended that residents evacuate by 8pm tonight (September 7th)
- Glenville – Flood prone areas along Rt. 5 from I890 exit 26 to the 103 Bridge and from Maalwyck Park to the Western Gateway bridge (expected cresting between 12am and 4am) – Due to possible road closures and flooding it is advised that residents evacuate by 8pm tonight (September. 7th)
- Glenville – Areas around Freemans Bridge Road and flood prone areas including Alplaus Ave. and Brookside Ave. (expected cresting between 12pm and 2pm) – Due to possible road closures and flooding it is advised that residents in these areas evacuate by 6am Thursday, Sept. 8th.
- Scotia – Flood prone areas including Washington, Schonowe, Riverside Place, Pleasantview, Beacon, Dungan, Elliot Street between S. Holmes and S. Toll, Lee, and Livingston (expected cresting between 10am and 2pm) – Due to potential road closures and flooding it is advised that residents in these areas evacuate by 4am Thursday, September 8th.
- Schenectady – Due to potential flooding of the Stockade neighborhood it is advised that residents of the flood prone areas of the Stockade evacuate. The Schenectady Fire Department will be on scene to assist residents.
- Niskayuna – Flood prone areas including Niskayuna Isle, Rosendale, Lock 7 Road, and Low-lying areas in the vicinity of the Rexford Bridge (expected cresting between 4pm and 8pm). – Due to potential road closures and flooding in low lying areas of Niskayuna, it is advised that residents in these areas evacuate by 10am Thursday, September 8th.
Shelter information
Schenectady County and the American Red Cross are establishing an overnight shelter at Schalmont High School, located at 2 Sabre Drive in Schenectady and Schenectady County and the City of Schenectady will be establishing and overnight shelter at the City of Schenectady Public Services Bureau Garage on the corner of Foster Avenue and Seneca Street.
Anyone intending to use a shelter should bring with them items to make their stay safe and comfortable, such as pillows, baby food, diapers. Officials also stressed to bring any medication needed for the night. Volunteers will be on-site to provide water, food and assist with any other need.
