BROCTON, N.Y. -- Flash flooding left behind a lot of work for residents in Chautauqua County on Tuesday. Those we spoke with in Brocton say they woke up to three feet of water in their basements, and some of their neighbors had even more.
Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan said Brocton, Westfield and Portland were impacted the most, and 12 fire companies from across the county have been helping the response effort; many pumping water out of homes.
Horrigan said the rain started around 11 p.m. Monday and though they knew rain was on the way, they never expected so much to fall so quickly.
Some local evacuations were made from trailer areas, and those residents were sheltered overnight. The county executive said there were also people trapped in cars who were rescued.
When we spoke with him in Brocton, he said he wants to make sure everyone stays safe as cleanup continues, and advises people to stay away from flooded basements.
"Driving down here from Ripley down through Westfield and Brocton, we see a lot of washed out roads and flooded vineyards. So we've got agriculture damage, road damage, at the same time here. We just want people to be safe, you may see ponding water, don't try to drive through it. Don't drown, turn around," said Horrigan.
Janice Zebracki says she's lived in Brocton all her life and this is the worst flooding she's ever seen. She described the damage the water caused to her basement.
"My hot water tank and my furnace, they're both gas, and they're gone. I don't dare go down there and wade around in anything. Thank goodness, I've still got about three steps before it would be up to hit the upstairs, so I'm very lucky," said Zebracki.
She also told us she even saw a car float down the street in front of her home.