By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS, NY – A massive rainstorm that had been predicted to bring strong winds and between three to six inches of rain, depending on its path, spared Port Jervis from the worst of its impact. As of 8 p.m. this evening rainfall was estimated by various online weather sources to total approximately three inches.
Port Jervis’ Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Vicchiarriello said this evening that as of about 4 p.m. this afternoon the Delaware River had reached about 11-feet in height at Port Jervis. It is expected to crest at about 13-feet, well below any flood stage concern, just before noon on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service lists local flood categories (in feet) as: Major Flood Stage: 21.5, Moderate Flood Stage: 20, Flood Stage: 18, Action Stage: 16.
West End Beach is one area that did sustain flooding. The entrance to West End Beach was barricaded early today as the river level quickly rose from about four-and-a-half feet in the early morning hours to 11 feet this evening. Most of the beach area was flooded, including the newly blacktopped area and recreation fields, with water reaching the entrance slope to the beach.
Vicchiarriello noted that the flow of Neversink River will be impacted by the Delaware River’s elevated level once the Delaware reaches 12-feet. He said this level begins to slow the Neversink River’s flow as it is unable to flow as quickly into the Delaware at that height. This is also not expected to cause major concerns, but will be watched until the Delaware begins to recede.
