Chenango County declared a state of emergency as a result of Wednesday night’s violent thunderstorms. According to emergency management officials, there are reports of flash flooding, downed trees and power lines, and multiple road closures across the county following the storm, which is the third to hit the area in as many days.

According to Emergency Management Officer A. Wesley Jones, the situation is expected to worsen throughout the day.

“We’re extremely concerned because there is more heavy rain on the way,” Jones said, explaining that another major storm front expected to move through the area later today.

According to Jones, last night’s storm dropped as much as 2” of rain in some areas of the county.

“As of yesterday afternoon, we only needed a half inch to start significant flash flooding,” he said. “Obviously, we’ve gotten more than that.”

Multiple road closures as a result of flooding and debris have been reported in the towns of McDonough, Plymouth, Sherburne, Pharsalia and Smyrna. Portions of Route 12 through the City of Norwich have also been closed, and traffic detoured.

Early this morning, a reverse 9-1-1 call alerted residents living in proximity to Canasawacta Creek of imminent flood danger. By 8 a.m. the creek overflowed its banks in Plymouth, prompting evacuations. Within an hour, it had done the same within the City of Norwich limits. At 9 a.m., Jones reported the creek had reached 34 feet, well above its 20 foot flood stage.