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Area Residents Cope With Damage From Flash Floods

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Too much rain coming too fast meant flash flooding for some in our area.

Near the Catskills, flooding washed out roads, caused rock slides, and forced people out of their homes.

CBS 2 found out that the devastating flooding is starting to become an annual event there.

"Can't believe this happened again," Justin Murphy, Sullivan County resident, said. "It's too much devastation for this little town to handle."

For the third consecutive year, a destructive flash flood roared through the Beaverkill Valley. Five inches of rain have fallen since Wednesday afternoon, rushing down the hills that line the border between Sullivan and Delaware Counties.

As the rain was coming down, Delaware County resident Josie Banks only had one thought: "Oh please, God, make it stop!" Banks said. "That's all."

A long stretch of Route 206 remained closed as crews clean up the piles of asphalt lifted up by the rushing water. On side roads, crews are cleaning debris clogging the drain pipes.

Most roads are open, but you never know when you'll turn a corner and encounter a hazard, such as a bunch of rocks that have come sliding down a hill.

The rush of water punched a hole right in the side of a barn and left a river of debris on the property where landlady Banks rents out two houses.

"I'm sick and tired because our lovely government doesn't help you if it's not your primary residence," Banks said. "Well, this is my way of [making a] living."

The scene is reminiscent of last June, but nowhere near as bad. In 2007, homes were destroyed and four people were swept to their deaths.

Thankfully for residents, this year hasn't seen weather quite so severe.

"Nobody lost any houses, no lives were lost," Paul Ryder, Sullivan County resident, said. "So that's a good thing."

The flooding is a fact of life in an area touched by the glory – and the fury – of Mother Nature. 

In the meantime, a fire station and high school were used as temporary shelters for those who had to leave their homes.

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