Severe weather thrashed most of Central New York this weekend, causing major flooding on Utica’s Arterial Highway.

For the second time in two years, the portion of the highway near the exit to Court Street flooded on the northbound side. Nine cars were stranded, three left completely underwater.

Saturday’s flooding has left many of the city’s residents concerned. Jennifer Lyons, who has lived in the area for most of her life, says it was the worst flooding she’s ever seen in the area.

Some residents believe past construction on the Arterial could be to blame for recent flooding problems. The highway underwent a $66 million safety project that transformed part of the highway near downtown Utica.

While some residents are blaming construction, DOT officials say the amount of rain that fell is what is responsible.

Jim Piccola, the Public Information Officer for NYSDOT Region 2, says, “With that rain coming down so quickly, the city’s infrastructure was overwhelmed, and that water ran off onto the Arterial overwhelming our system.”

Piccola says the DOT is having conversations with the city to see if there is a way to stop rainwater before it reaches the Arterial.

No one was injured during the highway’s flooding.