Ontario County recently experienced a harrowing ordeal as severe floods wreaked havoc on its communities. With nearly 100 homes impacted by the torrential downpour, the aftermath of Sunday's flood left residents grappling with significant damage and loss. As the affected region begins the long process of recovery, emergency response teams, including the Canandaigua Fire Department, Monroe County and Ontario County's water rescue teams, have been working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those in need.

The National Weather Service reported that over five inches of rain fell at the Canandaigua Airport, setting the stage for widespread devastation. The Canandaigua Fire Department alone received more than 150 water-related calls, many of which required urgent rescues. Collaborating with swift water rescue teams, responders ventured door-to-door in affected areas and conducted welfare checks and worked to ensure the safety of residents.

Steve Shymkiw lives on Arlington Park in Canandaigua. He was not home during the time of the flooding, but says when he did return home he found damage.   

“The basement was flooded, maybe about four feet deep,” Shymkiw said. “I picked up my washer machine and dryer and moved those around. Everything in the basement is just mud."  

Shymkiw had to carefully assess the damage, salvaging what he could and discarding what was beyond repair. Like him, numerous residents face the daunting task of sifting through the remnants of their homes, evaluating what can be salvaged and what must be discarded.

“[We’ve never had flooding] this high,” he said. “From other neighbors that I spoke to, they have never experienced this either."  

In the wake of the floods, authorities issued warnings to the public, urging them to exercise caution around standing and swift water. 

“[People should] avoid a lot of the standing and swift waters, you don’t know what’s underneath it,” Sgt. Philip Nesbitt of the New York State Park Police said. “Whether it be debris, or exposed manhole covers. Things like that you wouldn’t otherwise notice, just walking through it looks like standing water, but if there’s something under there that you can’t see it could be a potential hazard.”

As the cleanup efforts continue, the town of Canandaigua has gradually reopened, allowing residents to return to their homes and assess the damage. Power was restored to Canandaigua Monday night.

Officials say there are no permanent road closures, but residents can expect periodic closures as crews continue to repair and clean. Officials are urging residents to avoid impacted sections so cleanup can proceed accordingly.

Anyone impacted can call the Ontario County Dispatch non-emergency number at 585-394-4560.