In the latter half of the 20th century, no less than 35 flooding events have swept the Cohocton River's watershed, according to a recent action plan to help nine communities get flood smart.

“So New York is dealing with a lot more water and more water is coming," said Stevie Adams, Nature Conservancy Freshwater specialist. "So the term 'when it rains it pours' means something different in 2020 than it did in the 1950s."

something different in 2020 than it did in the 1950s."

Adams says 70 percent more rain is falling during the heaviest storms, compared to those in the ’50s. Climate change is playing a role. 

“Warmer air temperatures are creating more water in our atmosphere which means an energized more wet atmosphere so we’re seeing more rain falling which of course generates more floods," said Adams.

The Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board, Steuben Emergency Services, and other groups came together to make flood smart plans.

“We can’t control the timing of a disaster, flooding or otherwise, we can control how well prepared we are," said Adams.

Each of the nine communities including Bath, Campbell, and Cohocton, have emergency plans ready for the next disaster. One action will include replacing two road-stream crossings.

“Those culverts are too small they’re too small for flood flows and when the stream floods those culverts act as a barrier," said Adams. “If we want to be prepared for a future with more water we need to be protecting and restoring our natural areas so they can act as a buffer between people and flooding.”

A future where Cohocton River communities are better prepared for the next emergency. For a full copy of the flood plan, click here here, or vistit the Nature Conservancy's website.