Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It's that time of year again, the threat of ice jams and flooding along Buffalo are rivers and creeks is an increasing possibility.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Erie County running through 1pm Monday.
A Wind Advisory is also posted for the region, including Niagara County, from Monday afternoon into the overnight hours.
Ice jams may develop on some area creeks along with light rain and snow melt causing the flooding. The flood watch includes Buffalo Creek, Cazenovia Creek, Cayuga Creek and the Buffalo River among others.
The Buffalo fire boat Cotter has been working to break the ice along the Buffalo River and Erie Canal Harbor this week as a way to keep water flowing and prevent ice jam potential.
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FLOOD WATCH FOR ICE JAMS REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON
The Flood Watch continues for * A portion of western New York, including the following counties, Northern Erie and Southern Erie.
* Through Monday afternoon * The combination of light rain showers and snow melt from warm temperatures Sunday will result in a risk for ice jams to develop.
There is as much as 2 to 4 inches of snow water equivalent in the head waters of the Buffalo Creeks basins. Warm weather Sunday has melted some of this snow pack, resulting in run-off and rising creek levels which are likely to cause some additional ice to break up on some creeks.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 AM EST TUESDAY
* WHAT...Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE...Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, and Allegany counties.
* WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 1 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.