Lake Ontario Flooding

State of Emergency Declared

A State of Emergency was declared on May 20, 2019 for the eight counties impacted by potential Lake Ontario flooding remains in effect until May 20, 2020. The eight counties are: Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wayne. The Governor's order directs state agencies to protect State property and to assist local governments and individuals in responding to and recovering from the flooding.

Local Government Resource Requests

Residents or Businesses Should Contact Their Local Officials for Assistance

Property owners along the shoreline in need of sandbags, aquadam or other resources should contact their municipality or county emergency management office directly for assistance. New York State will continue to coordinate directly with counties and local partners to ensure their supply stocks for residents and business owners are continuously replenished.

The Governor urges local officials to work with their County Emergency Managers to submit any resource needs directly into NY Responds, the state's web-based system that enables both local governments and state agencies to submit and share vital emergency-related information and resource requests.

Lake Ontario REDI Commission Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative

This multi-agency task force is charged with developing a plan to reduce risk to infrastructure along Lake Ontario's waterfront while strengthening the region's local economies.

REDI Commission

2019 Lake Ontario & St. Lawrence River Homeowner Assistance

The New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has launched a 2019 Individual Homeowner Assistance Program.

Get the Details

Resources Flood Preparation & Safety Tips

Act Now To Be Prepared

Follow these guidelines to properly prepare your home and family for flooding.

Proper Sandbagging Techniques

Sandbagging can be an effective flood-fighting tool. Follow these safety tips and proper procedures that are designed to minimize work-related injuries and maximize essential time.

Travel Safety Tips During a Flood

Review these travel tips so that you know how to respond if you're caught driving during flood conditions.

Stay Informed Great Lakes Water Levels Update

Waters on the Lake Ontario shoreline currently sit more than one foot above average. Stay informed with this resource from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Water Levels Update

2017 Resiliency and Recovery Efforts for the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Communities

Due to the flooding devastation along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shorelines in 2017, New York State made $100 million available to help residents, businesses and municipalities recover and build back stronger. The 2017 application period is now closed.

Municipalities or homeowners with questions related to the closed 2017 Lake Ontario grant program should call Homes and Community Renewal at 518-474-2057 during normal business hours.

Small business owners and other property owners with questions related to the closed 2017 Lake Ontario grant program should contact Empire State Development by emailing [email protected] or calling 518-292-5348.

Find additional information on the 2017 Lake Ontario Grant Program.

State Actions to Prepare for Damaging Effects of Flooding

DEC General Permit

The Permit will expedite the process for shoreline property owners to quickly make necessary repairs and stabilize their properties from flood damage.