BEMUS POINT, N.Y. (WKBW) — Water overflowed the banks of Bemus Creek on Friday afternoon. Homes of Shore Acres were surrounded by water. Residents and renters were quickly told to get to higher ground by first responders.
There were no reports of major property damage or and injuries.
“We are worried that later tonight it might come back again, hopefully not,” said Connor Ward.
He’s staying in a home right next to the creek.
Just as quickly as the water came up, the waters receded back into the banks.
“Wiping the mud off the property, making sure the appliances work and getting back at it. Hopefully the rains headed in the other direction,” said Andrew Bottiger.
He is renting out a property to summer vacationers. The family spending the weekend showed up just in time for the cleanup.
People who have lived in this Bemus Point community for decades know about the high water, all too well.
“Would like to say this was a once in 100 years happening, but, sadly, it is not,” said Keary Howard.
He believes the flooding problem comes down to a lack of dredging at the mouth of the creek. He says, he and his neighbors have asked for help before.
“If you think the problem is solvable and you can go to state, county, town officials and say I have a plan, work with me. And yet, you don't get that kind of response. That's disheartening,” said Howard about the lack of action taken on Bemus Creek.
State lawmakers have said in the past that the depth of Chautauqua Lake makes any dredging difficult and costly.
All of Western New York is in a flood watch through Saturday night.
