BINGHAMTON (WBNG) – The southern layer is preparing for heavy rains combined with snow melting on Christmas Eve to create the threat of significant flooding along the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers.
According to the National Weather Service, the Susquehanna River in Vestal is expected to reach 27.1 feet, just above the threshold to classify the flood as “large”. As of 3 pm, the river level was just over 5 feet.
River levels across the southern level are expected to rise due to a historic storm that poured up to 40 inches of snow last week. As the snow melts, it can pour large amounts of water into streams and rivers, as well as causing flooding.
Floods are not expected to reach the same level that the region experienced in 2011.
However, if the river in Vestal rises to 27.1 feet, it would be the ninth highest peak ever recorded, reaching the top of the 26.62 foot peak established in 1979.
The current forecast for each river (after 3:15 pm) is below:
- Susquehanna River in Owego – crests in the small flood stage at 31.3 feet.
- Susquehanna River in Waverly – ridges in moderate flooding at 19.9 feet. 20 feet is considered the main flood stage.
- Susquehanna River in Vestal – crests at the stage of great flood at 27.1 feet.
- Susquehanna River in Binghamton – ridges in moderate flooding at 17.4 feet. The main stage of the flood is 18 feet.
- Susquehanna River in Windsor – ridges at the 17.5 foot low flood stage. The moderate flood stage is 19 feet.
- Susquehanna River in Conklin – ridges in a moderate flood stage at 17.9 feet. The main stage of the flood is 20 feet.
- Chenango River in Greene – ridges in moderate flood stage at 16.4 feet. The main stage of the flood is 18 feet.
- Chenango River in Forks Chenango – ridges in a small flood stage at 12.2 feet. The moderate flood stage is 12.6 feet.
If you want to check the most current river levels and look at other rivers, click here.
Stay with your weather authority for forecast updates as the rain continues to fall.