NY State Dispatches Assessment Teams To Upstate Ice Jams

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — State officials are dispatching assessment teams to several dozen ice jams throughout upstate New York to prepare for potential flooding when temperatures rise this weekend.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office says the Democrat held a conference call Thursday with nearly 100 local officials from across the state to discuss the situation and ensure counties have state resources they need.

Teams consisting of National Guard members, transportation experts, emergency crews and troopers are being sent to the locations of nearly 50 ice jams and flooded areas along upstate rivers and streams.

Warmer temperatures and rain are expected this weekend, raising the likelihood of problems caused when flowing waterways jammed with ice suddenly break up during a rapid thaw.

Ice jams have already caused problems in Warren, Oneida and Schenectady counties this winter.