Residents near the Sauquoit Creek in Oneida County are clearing out debris and other damage Friday after heavy rains caused widespread flooding in the region, leaving some Chadwicks homeowners frustrated from constant flooding over the years.
Many homes in the area have flooded basements and backyards after the heavy rain and wind caused a tree or limb to fall on a power line, resulting in a surge that caused electrical wiring to be ripped from a home.
Neighbors on Hand Place, a small side street running next to Sauquoit Creek, are seeing heavy damage, and it’s not the first time. The road has flooded several times since 2011, and residents say they’re tired of it.
"I don't want to move, but at the same time, as you get older, you can't sit there and be worried about every time they say it's going to rain," said Justin Sorrentino. "You're like, 'What do I have to do? Do I have to get sand bags? Do I have to be on the ready?' It shouldn't have to be like that."
These recent floods come as lawmakers continue looking for ways to handle flood mitigation on waterways in the region.
Oneida County has been under a state of emergency since Thursday evening. The storm has caused at least one death, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo.