County Manager David Fanslau issued the following statement: "The National Weather Service in Binghamton issued a Flash Flood Warning for Sullivan County effective through 2:15 PM. Locations in the warning include but are not limited to Bethel, Bloomingburg, Callicoon, Grahamsville, Liberty, Livingston Manor, Loch Sheldrake, Monticello, Roscoe, and Wurtsboro in Sullivan County.

The National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated an area of excessive rainfall headed for over the warned area. Additional heavy rainfall combined with already saturated soil conditions will create areas of flash flooding across Pike, Wayne, and Sullivan Counties this morning. Heavy rainfall combined with the complex terrain of the Catskills and Poconos will create a very dangerous flooding situation this morning Flash flooding results in rapid rises on streams and creeks, and significant flooding in low lying areas.

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in the warning area move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property. Do not attempt to cross swiftly flowing waters or waters of unknown depth by foot or by automobile. Do not underestimate the power of flood waters. Only a few inches of rapidly flowing water can quickly carry away your vehicle.

I strongly urge any resident who lives near a stream, creek or river to be prepared and alert as this storm progresses, and to take preventative measures to protect their property through sandbags, etc. Outdoor, moveable property should be secured, and indoor property should be put up in case of flooding in the home. Furthermore, in case of emergency, all residents in these areas should make preparations to vacate their home if conditions warrant, and are strongly urged to comply with any and all reasonable requests from law enforcement or emergency responders during an emergency.

County residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, are also urged to have enough flashlights and extra batteries, canned goods and bottled water for 48 hours, in case of power outage or emergency. Residents are encouraged to make arrangements to check on elderly neighbors, and arrange for pets to be housed either inside, or with proper shelter.

During the storm all County residents are urged to remain indoors and off roadways whenever possible. If residents must drive, they are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving through this storm, and to pay special attention not to drive through pooling or standing water. If there are flood conditions on a roadway, please do not travel through the water.

Sullivan County officials will be in contact with all towns, village and fire departments in the flood-prone areas, to ensure all precautionary measures are being taken, and implementing contingency plans in case of flooding. County officials will remain in contact with these towns, village and volunteer first-responders throughout the storm, as they monitor the situations in their own communities.

Should flooding occur in Sullivan County, residents and visitors are urged to visit the County website, http://www.co.sullivan.ny.us, for current news and information."