Ontario County gave out sandbags to prepare for storm, a year after damaging flood
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Several counties in the area were hit with severe storms, flooding, damaging winds, and heavy downpours on Wednesday.
Ontario County was among the areas that prepared for the severe weather caused by the remnants of Storm Beryl. The county gave out 20 sandbags per party or family starting at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Hurley Building on 205 Saltonstall Street while supplies lasted. The county began giving out sandbags on Tuesday.
It has been about a year since the flooding in Canandaigua and other parts of the county that damaged nearly 100 homes, displacing residents and leaving some roads underwater. You can see photos from that flood here.
The city Department of Public Works spent Wednesday morning handing out sandbags. Parties were allowed up to 20 each. These are placed near windows and doors to divert water from seeping in. two neighbors News10NBC spoke with say they had their basements flooded last year, and wanted to do everything to prepare for Wednesday.
“We flooded a year ago, and there was 7 feet of water in my basement, had to be evacuated, I had wonderful friends who came and rescued me, and I was one of the very fortunate ones. I was able to get back in my home in about ten days because I could get power on,” said Suzanne Marinelli on Chapel Street.
Rip Neary, who lives on Bristol Street, said, “Everybody has a little bit of worry about it. Ya know, last year just about this time a number of houses were flooded bad so I think everyone is just preparing the best you can.”
Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement saying the state will closely monitor Wednesday’s weather and encouraged everyone to stay vigilant.
The state’s Department of Transportation had more than 3,000 supervisors and operators on standby. Hocul’s office said there were hundreds of dump trucks available as well.
The Thruway Authority also had hundreds of staff on standby and used messages along the Thruway to warn drivers of severe weather conditions. NYSEG and RG&E closely monitored for any power outages.
To prepare for the storm, people were reminded to have a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, emergency food and water, essential medicines, cash, and medical cards.
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