Severe Flooding Hits Herkimer, New York After Intense Rainfall

HERKIMER, N.Y. — Cleanup is in full swing following heavy rainfall that caused significant flooding in Herkimer and the surrounding areas on Tuesday. The New York State Mesonet Weather Station reported 2.2 inches of rain within 24 hours, overwhelming local drainage systems.

Streets rapidly became submerged, leading to multiple road closures. Village Department of Public Works (DPW) Superintendent Justin Cristman said, “A couple inches in an hour is a lot. We just don’t have the system to handle that all at once. It washed a lot of gravel down in pipes.” Cleanup efforts began around 5:30 Wednesday morning after a brief halt the previous night.

Crews utilized heavy cleaning equipment, including a high-pressure jet machine to clear clogged sewers. “It’s just sucking all the debris up to let us… there’s another machine down there called a jet machine,” Cristman explained. Additionally, DPW and highway teams opened blocked culverts, preparing for potential future storms.

Residents described the rain as fierce and relentless, with some facing ongoing basement flooding issues Wednesday morning. Videos circulating on local news showed cars navigating through floodwaters, prompting safety advisories. The StormTracker 2 Weather Team emphasized the danger of driving through flooded roads, where conditions may be deceptively hazardous.

Flood-related damage was also reported in neighboring areas, with several roads closed due to flooding. The Utica Police Department issued travel advisories as conditions worsened. The National Weather Service extended a flood warning, highlighting vulnerable areas including Utica, Rome, and Oneida.

The Herkimer Central School District postponed its budget hearing due to the waterlogged conditions, with officials promising updates as the situation develops.

As recovery continues, local agencies remain vigilant in monitoring conditions, readying for further weather-related challenges.