NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. — Western New York braced for heavy rain and strong winds on Saturday and extending into Sunday.
With Niagara County preparing for the weather, 2 On Your Side caught up with acting Michael Filicetti, the acting county sheriff, and Johnathan Schultz, the Niagara County director of emergency services.
They said they've been preparing the storm with several agencies on standby for potential storm damage.
One of their concerns was that leading up to the storm, the ground was already saturated, so more water could lead to down trees and severe flooding.
They say keeping the community safe is a team effort.
"The fire companies are all briefed. They know what's coming. They get the weather updates, just like we do, so they'll be prepare to respond as well to these emergencies," Filicetti said.
Added Schultz: "If we do wind up with a long period of time without power going on, if you start your generator, please don't put your generator in the garage or the patio area, things like that. Make sure it's 15, 20 feet from the house. We don't want to have any carbon monoxide issues or things like that."
Niagara County emergency officials said if there is an emergency, don't hesitate to call 911.
A Flood Watch was in effect for Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties until 1 p.m. Sunday.
A High Wind Warning was issued for Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties from 4 a.m. Sunday until 11 a.m. Sunday afternoon.
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