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All waterways in Onondaga County are closed until further notice due to high water levels and debris concerns. On Tuesday (April 7), County Executive Ryan McMahon signed an emergency executive order to address the situation. The order follows several days of flooding in areas near waterways, including Oneida Lake.
McMahon emphasized the importance of safety, urging residents to stay away from local lakes, rivers, and creeks. "Elevated water levels create unpredictable conditions, hidden hazards, and risks that are not always visible from shore," McMahon said in a news release. The county executive's office, in collaboration with the Sheriff's Office and the Canal Corporation, is working to ensure public safety. Sheriff Toby Shelley reiterated the need for patience and compliance, stating, "Our top priority is the safety of everyone, as well as protecting the properties of our county residents."
This is the first time in about a decade that such an issue has arisen in the county. The emergency order is set to remain in effect until May 8, unless rescinded earlier.