Delaware County Irene update

Delaware County Emergency Services sent out a press release an hour ago explaining the latest across the county.

The gist: Margaretville and Fleischmanns are underwater, and while helicopters have been called in to help with evacuations, going is slow. 100 people are sheltering in the Margaretville Fire Hall, and the village has no water. Plans are being made to bring in supplies of water to Margaretville Hospital. The United Methodist Church on Church Street is open as a shelter in Margaretville. 

120 people are at the Red Cross Shelter at Belleayre Ski Center. 30 people are taking cover at the Grand Gorge Fire hall. 

Delhi's bridges are covered with water.

All of Delaware County's roads are still closed. Over 5,000 people have no power. Outages are being recorded in the Towns of Hancock, Sidney, Franklin, Deposit, Andes, Walton, Masonville and Middletown have experienced substantial outages.

Flooding:

Margaretville and Fleischmanns are inundated. Gaining access to those in need has been hampered by local road flooding. Air support is assisting with Evacuation. Efforts are underway to try to rescue those in need by helicopter but weather is a factor causing delay. Numerous highways and bridges are impassable. Contact 746-9600 to get specific road information. Evacuation is underway.

We are monitoring Walton and Delhi closely. At this time West Branch of the Delaware in Delhi is anticipated to peak between six and nine PM. Water is over the Kingston Street Bridge and Bridge Street are closed. Walton is anticipated to peak near 2AM.

Monitoring below the Pepacton Dam continues.

Shelters:

The Margaretville Fire Hall is currently housing 100 people. The United Methodist Church on Church Street is open, the number of people seeking shelter there is unknown at this time. The Village of Margaretville is without water. The State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) has been contacted to provide water to the Margaretville Hospital.

The Grand Gorge Fire Hall is currently housing as many as 30 people.

Bellayre Ski Center is currently housing 120 people.

Red Cross is enroute to all these locations with food, cots, blankets and other basic needs.

Power Outages:

At 5 PM, 5,872 people were without of power. The Towns of Hancock, Sidney, Franklin, Deposit, Andes, Walton, Masonville and Middletown have experienced substantial outages.

Delaware County has closed all roads until further notice. Any persons proceeding to shelters should use caution when traveling; do not drive through flooded roadways or across downed power lines. For information or assistance please contact the Delaware County Emergency Operations Center at 607-746-9600.

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