Weekend Rains Could Make Flood Risk From Melting Snow Even Worse
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- From a mudslide in Yonkers to flooding that forced the condemnation of houses in Shoreham, Long Island, the warming temperatures lately have caused lots of problems this week.
And on top of it all, rain was set to soak the area over the weekend.
As CBS2's Matt Kozar reported, the continued rapid melting of the snow has led many communities to brace for the worst. And while a snow melt is welcomed by those tired of winter, it could spell trouble alongside heavy rain.
"Our real concern is the wheel bearings, and some of the lifts with the electronics on them," said Ben Puff of Westchester Tool Rental.
Puff and his family own Westchester Tool Rental, which is just a stone's throw away from the Saw Mill River in Elmsford.
They move all their expensive equipment whenever the river floods during rain storms.
Puff snapped pictures during the last major flood.
"I'm 6 (feet) 6 (inches), and I've had water up to my waist," he said.
Melting snow and ice wreaked havoc in Yonkers on Wednesday when tons of rock and mud poured down a hill and smashed into high-rises at 95 and 97 Walsh Rd. that predominantly house senior citizens.
A 24-foot-wide section of a retaining wall gave way, spilling earth down the hill and against the rear of the 95 Walsh Road building. About 4 to 6 feet of mud blocked the door of the lobby.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said it will be at least two weeks before residents can return.
"Without knowing for sure that this building and property is safe, we will not be allowing anyone back into the building," Spano said.
In Shoreham, Suffolk County, pools of water flooded houses and left them severely damaged.
The homeowners blame the DeLalio sod farm behind their houses, where they say 15 feet of snow piled up and melted – leading to the flood. And on Thursday, one family learned that their insurance company will not cover anything.
Back in Westchester at the Elmsford Deli, Hatem Haddad had emptied the shelves closest to the ground of their merchandise.
"That's why we do that," Haddad said. "Every time we have a big flood -- it's not right."
Haddad said the area has flooded so much that he is not taking chances.
The rain was moving into the area overnight and was expected to continue throughout the day, with heavy downpours at times, CBS2's Vanessa Murdock and Meteorologist Matthew DeLucia reported. More than an inch of rain could be seen in some places.
A freezing rain advisory is also in effect for areas north of the city, as surface temperatures will hover around the freezing mark for some.