Oct. 29, 2012 -- OLEAN – City of Olean officials are closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Sandy and preparing for any potential impacts on the community.
Mayor Linda Witte said her advisors have warned the greatest impact will be felt during a period of sustained high winds beginning with 30 to 40 miles per hour gradually topping off with gusts of 50 miles an hour from 7 p.m. Monday to 3 a.m. Tuesday. A wind advisory from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. is in effect. Falling branches and downed power lines could result from these high northeasterly winds.
While the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch in Cattaraugus County, the potential for 1.25 to 2.5 inches of rain through Tuesday morning is not expected to cause more than localized flooding in low areas. The Allegheny River could rise to 7.2 feet by noon Tuesday, but is not expected to reach foot flood stage or overflow its banks during this period.
Mayor Linda Witte and public safety personnel will operate at a “monitoring level” in an emergency operations center that has been set up in the Municipal Building, and are in direct communication at all times with the Cattaraugus County Emergency Management Center. Currently, there are regular daily briefings from the county’s Emergency Services team.
Mayor Witte, Fire Chief Robert Bell, Police Chief Terry Schnell and Public Works Director Tom Windus have beefed up some crews that will be needed to respond to the weather conditions.
They remind residents they can help by:
*Report all emergency situations by calling 376-5677;
*clear leaves from storm drains to prevent street and basement flooding; the city is continuing its schedule for leaf pickup Monday;
*don’t touch downed power lines; if the power goes out call National Grid customer service at 1-800-867-5222;
*refrain from travel as much as possible;
*check on your elderly and disabled neighbors;
*a determination whether to postpone the schedule for Halloween trick-or-treating will be made Tuesday morning.
