People living along the Lake Ontario shoreline continue to watch the water and brace for possible flooding.

• Preparations are underway for the potential for high water levels 
• New York State has provided Niagara County with thousands of sandbags, an aqua dam, extra pumps and heavy machinery 
• The lake is about 15 inches below the worst flooding levels in 2017, but rising water is predicted

Officials from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services were in Olcott in Niagara County surveying the situation Wednesday.

They say right now, the lake is about six inches below the same date in 2017, and 15 inches below the levels of the historically disastrous flooding that year.

With rising water in the forecast, however, they don't want anyone caught off guard this time. They've brought in thousands of sandbags, pumps, an aqua dam and heavy equipment to try to minimize the potential for damage. 

"Recognize that the water is still low enough to do something. When the water starts getting higher it's usually too late," said Michael Kopy, Gov. Cuomo's Emergency Management director.

Officials say some of the fortified shore has washed away, but so far it's doing its job of breaking up the waves. They urge people to call local leaders, county emergency management or the state's watch centers for help with sandbags or other concerns.