Precautionary Evacuations in Northern New York Due to Ice Jam Threat

Clinton County Emergency Services Director Eric Day said the area is known to be flood-prone, so they chose to evacuate residents out of an abundance of caution, given that history.

Day said the last notable ice jam in the area was about 30 years ago, when FEMA offered a buyout to homeowners. Some residents refused the buyout, leaving only a handful of homes in the area.

Throughout the day, some pieces of ice broke off the larger ones, causing some movement, but ultimately didn’t resolve the issue.

Day said the hope is that the recent warm weather, coupled with incoming rain, will get the ice and river moving.

“Looking at rain tonight and tomorrow, that could change conditions, but it is possible with some increased water flow, it builds pressure behind this thing and moves it downstream. If it moves it downstream, there is a lot of open water below us here and not a lot of things it can impact, so that would be the best of scenarios,” Day said. “Other than the four or five homes right here in this area, which we have already worked with the folks on and evacuated, anyone else on the river, just be aware of the conditions, just know what’s going on.”

Because of the slow movement and lack of flooding on Tuesday, most people have remained near their homes.

The local Red Cross is on standby to assist anyone who is displaced.

The National Weather Service’s Flash Flood Warning for East Central Clinton County expired at 1 p.m. Tuesday. They said no significant flooding was occurring at that time, even though the ice jam remained in place.

They urge anyone who lives, works or travels along the Saranac River to stay alert for changing conditions. Additional flooding is possible if the ice jam shifts.

Stay with the WCAX First Alert Weather team for the latest updates on this developing situation.

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