LIVINGSTON MANOR, N.Y. — Heavy rain that dumped an estimated 3 to 6 inches of precipitation across parts of the Catskills has triggered widespread flooding, road closures and emergency response operations in Sullivan County, with some communities experiencing significant damage Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service reported estimates of 3 to 6 inches of rainfall from Tuesday through overnight, with locally higher totals. Although rainfall is expected to diminish Wednesday, flooding continues due to runoff from the earlier storms.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the East Branch of the Delaware River at Hancock, in Delaware County, New York, and Wayne County, Pennsylvania, through late tonight. 

Minor flooding is expected as the river briefly rises above its 18-foot flood stage this afternoon before receding this evening. 

Low-lying areas near the river, including Peas Eddy Road, LaBarre Street, and parts of Fishs Eddy, could see flooding. If you live or travel near the river, use caution and never drive through flooded roadways.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. tonight across the Radio Catskill listening area.

The towns of Callicoon, Fremont and Rockland have declared states of emergency, as they’re dealing with impacts from flash flooding. Roads are open, but unnecessary travel in those towns is discouraged.

Town of Rockland Supervisor Rob Eggleton said Livingston Manor – which sits at the confluence point of the Willowemoc Creek, Little Beaver Kill, and the Cattail Brook – saw “raging” waters on Tuesday. 

Willowemoc Creek near Livingston Manor reached about 10 feet around daybreak — roughly 8 feet higher than Tuesday morning. While water levels are expected to gradually recede, flooding impacts are expected to continue through at least midday.

Communities affected by flooding include Livingston Manor, Parksville, Roscoe, Rockland, Debruce, Lew Beach, Beaverkill Campground, Mongaup Pond Campground and Shandelee.

The National Weather Service also warned that the East Branch Delaware River at Margaretville and Bush Kill near Arkville continues to rise and is expected to reach minor flood stage later Wednesday. Areas including Margaretville, Fleischmanns, Arkville, Halcottsville and nearby campgrounds could experience flooding.

Rescue efforts underway

Town of Rockland Supervisor Rob Eggleton said the town’s emergency response team evacuated five people from their homes in Livingston Manor on Pearl Street after the structures flooded. The individuals sheltered at the Livingston Manor Presbyterian Church on Old Rte 17 on Tuesday evening, says Eggleton.

The Sullivan County Swift Water Rescue Team and Sullivan County Search & Rescue Team assembled at the North Branch Fire Station as emergency crews responded to flooding in Hortonville, North Branch, Livingston Manor and Cooks Falls.

The North Branch Fire Department said North Branch Road is closed between Stewart Road and Pleasant Valley Road until further notice while multiple agencies respond to emergency calls. Officials also urged motorists to avoid Buck Brook Road, where portions of the roadway were washed out overnight, as well as Hornung Road. Local highway departments continue to assess damage throughout the area.

Emergency officials are urging residents not to drive through flooded roadways.

Small businesses navigate persistent flooding

Evelyn Tetenes, owner of Evelyn’s Ice Cream Bar on Main Street in Livingston Manor, says she’s typically open daily during the summer months. But on Wednesday morning, she and some of her neighbors remained closed. 

“We were hoping it was gonna be okay, but I guess it was too much water coming down in a short period of time,” said Tetenes. 

Tetenes said she had been hosing out mud and water and disinfecting equipment with a friend for hours to ensure the store was sanitary before she re-opened the shop.

Across Main Street from Evelyn’s Ice Cream Bar is Sunshine Colony, a natural wine bar, whose backyard was still several inches deep under brown murky waters on Wednesday.

Kevin Cook, co-owner of Sunshine Colony, anticipates the bar will be closed for a while. 

“It’s just a ton of cleaning and then repair. [There] will be a lot of repairs,” said Cook. Still, he’s looking forward to two state grants Livingston Manor received to reduce flooding and improve the downtown area of the hamlet. Livingston Manor was awarded a $4.7 million grant from the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation to restore 11 acres of Willowemoc Creek’s historic floodplain and reduce flooding downtown by as much as three feet.

READ: Livingston Manor Eyes Long-Term Flood Fix with Willowemoc Floodplain Restoration

Sally Wright, Executive Director of the Catskill Art Space, said the center decided to close and cancel its kids’ program on Wednesday, as floodwaters affected the building. 

“Fortunately, the artwork and the contents of our building are okay as well, but our cellar ostensibly turned into a swimming pool with water to the top stair. We have some electrical and mechanical infrastructure in place there, and that will need really extensive clearing and repair,” said Wright.

The National Park Service’s Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is requiring mandatory life jacket use for everyone on or in the Delaware River today due to high water from heavy rainfall.

The river was measured at 6.97 feet, flowing at approximately 10,400 cubic feet per second and moving 3.5 mph or faster. Officials warn that rapids can produce waves up to 6 feet high capable of flipping rafts.

Park officials recommend that only highly experienced boaters use open boats, while less experienced paddlers should use durable commercial-style rafts. Inner tubes and other inflatables are strongly discouraged because they are more likely to overturn, making self-rescue in the swift current difficult.

Real-time river conditions are available through the National Weather Service’s river gauge.

The flooding has forced several closures and service disruptions.

Jeff Bank announced its Liberty branch is closed Wednesday because of flood damage cleanup. Customers are being directed to the bank’s Jeffersonville and Monticello branches. Garnet Health Doctors closed its Livingston Manor medical office for the day because of flooding.

In Livingston Manor, the Presbyterian Church at 568 Old Route 17 has opened its doors to anyone needing assistance.

Officials continue to ask residents to use caution, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded roads and washed-out areas as crews assess damage and respond to ongoing emergencies.

Image: Flooding in Livingston Manor, NY. (Jennifer Grimes/Facebook)