N.Y. Governor Warns of Flooding, Evacuation In Buffalo

Residents in Buffalo, New York have reportedly prepared for possible evacuation plans as warm temperatures begin to melt the 7-foot snow build up from last week.

New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement Sunday that residents living in flood-prone areas in Buffalo should prepare for a possible evacuation this week.

"Err on the side of caution," the governor said during a news conference. "You prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and that's what we're doing."

Last week a surprising lake-effect storm coming off of Lake Erie dumped five to seven feet of snow in the Buffalo region, closing roads and causing evacuations where concern over roof collapse may occur. This week, temperatures are expected to rise into the 60's, and local authorities have warned the massive amount of snow, nearly two-thirds of the area's annual amount, will quickly turn into water and possibly flood the streets.

The death toll rose to 13 as a result of last week's massive snowfall and freezing temperatures.

The National Weather Service has also warned of the possibility of severe flooding. "They are going to have flooding problems, there is no doubt about that," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Jack Boston told USA Today.

AccuWeather also reported that drainage will be an issue with the flooding.

"Since many storm drains are snow clogged, many urban areas will likely experience flooding with several feet of water possibly accumulating on some stretches of road," the weather service said, according to USA Today. "Some residential basements will start to flood at this time, as well."