Three Columbia County towns have declared a state of emergency after a mudslide Thursday behind the Sons and Daughters of Italy in Greenport.

It happened around 2 p.m. When firefighters got to the scene, they found a 300-yard-by-100-yard section of the bank collapsed into the Claverack Creek.

"If the water does get to a certain level, it will start to overflow," said Sheriff David Bartlett. "There is not going to be a big tidal wave going down the Claverack Creek."

Columbia County officials say the creek is now completely blocked and the water is backing up. But they say no homes or residents are in danger at the moment.

However, residents are being asked to stay away from the scene.

"We're fortunate the riverbed is low," said Columbia County Director of Emergency Management Bill Black.

Officials say they're looking for a way to redirect the creek. Right now, the plan is to open an old channel, which they say has already received approval from the DEC.

"There is a lot of trees," Black said, "so it's going to be tough going initially, but once we can get to that, it won't take long to clean it out."

Crews are set to begin cleaning out the old channel Friday morning. With rain in the forecast this weekend, officials say they could be racing against the clock.

"We do want to get going on that," Bartlett said, "so tomorrow morning there will be heavy equipment here. There will be personnel here at 8 a.m., and people will be ready to get to work."