Akwesasne Expecting Heavy Rains

AKWESASNE – (Seskéha/ August 9, 2024) The Territory of Akwesasne and surrounding areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall today, potentially accumulating 50 to 100 mm. Rain is anticipated to continue from this morning through the afternoon, due to a low-pressure system interacting with the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. Rainfall is expected to taper off later this evening.

Impact and Precautions: Heavy downpours may cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. If you reside along the St. Regis River (north and south), please be vigilant and monitor the water levels near your property. If water levels rise and currents increase, avoid approaching the river’s edge.

Thunderstorms and Lightning:

Thunderstorms are often accompanied by high winds, lightning, and, in rare cases, can produce tornadoes, though this is not anticipated in our area.

• Thunderstorms occur throughout Canada and the United States but are less frequent in northern regions.
• Thunderstorms usually last less than an hour, though a series of storms can extend over several hours.

If You Are Outside:      

• If you see lightning or hear thunder, seek shelter immediately in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle. There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm.
• If you are far from a safe location, avoid tall objects such as trees, poles, wires, and fences. Seek shelter in a low-lying area.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before going outside again.

If You Are Inside:

• Before a severe thunderstorm, unplug radios, televisions, and appliances (especially those that may restart automatically when power is restored). Listen for weather updates on a wind-up or battery-powered radio.
• Use a cordless phone if you need to make a call during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid contact with items that may conduct electricity, such as corded telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators, and metal pipes.

Rising River Levels:

With heavy rain, water levels in rivers, tributaries, and culverts may rise. We are monitoring the water levels in the St. Lawrence River, St. Regis River, and Raquette River. Our primary concern is the low-lying areas along the St. Regis River, particularly along St. Regis Road, north and south. If you observe increasing water levels, please:

• Refrain from approaching rivers with faster-than-normal currents.
• Keep children away from rivers and riverbanks.
• Remove any items that may be carried away by the river current.
• If possible, keep pets indoors.

Lawn Furniture and Décor:

• Cover and secure any lawn furniture or décor that can be easily moved by the wind.
• If possible, store lawn furniture and décor in a shed or garage.

Check on Elderly Neighbors:

If you live near an elderly neighbor who is alone or does not receive Home Care/Home Support, please check on them to ensure they are safe and warm.

Power Outages:

Report any power outages to your local utility company:

Hydro Quebec: Should you witness or have a tree branch fall on your power line and it appears to be straining your power line downward into a ‘V’ shape, please call Hydro Quebec to remove the tree branch. If this is not the case, you, the homeowner, are responsible for the removal of the tree/branch.

Fallen / Detach / Downed Utility Wires: Please do not attempt to remove any fallen or detached power lines. Please call your utility company immediately.

Outages: The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s (MCA’s) and Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operation Centers will (EOC’s) will be working with the utility companies to get the power restored. However, should you power not be restored, when the power comes back on, please contact MCA’s or the SRMT EOC’s for further assistance.

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