Buffalo, New York will be flooding after the massive snow storm that amassed to 7 feet of snow. Weather forecasters have said that there will be raining on Monday and Tuesday, and that would cause tremendous flooding throughout the region.
The snow storm, which began on Monday, November 17, claimed the lives of at least a dozen deaths, and more than 30 roof collapses were reported. The weather service warned that residents should quickly leave their home if they hear any popping or cracking from the roof.
It is still too soon to say how much damage and insurance claims will be made. One local firm, the Lawley Insurance, likens this snow storm to be similar to the October storm of 2006. The October storm created an estimate of $210 million in damages, of which $150 million were from personal losses. There were also 63,000 claims filed.
Merchant’s Mutual Insurance Co.’s President and CEO Bob Zak anticipates that claims will be filed for water damage due to rain or melting snow, and roof collapses.
New York State is providing a five-county area with 51 boats, 375 heavy-duty water pumps, 29 high-axle vehicles, over 500 National Guard troops and over 176,000 sandbags. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said his county is stockpiling water pumps, 69,000 water bottles and 5,300 meals-ready-to-eat.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, “We are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.”
