SENECA FALLS -- Brad Ellis has been gauging how fast the Seneca River is gaining on his family's house on by watching a birdfeeder. Typically the backyard birdfeeder sits well above the ground on a pole, but on Monday night, flood waters covered all but the top section. Ellis figures his house can handle another two feet of rising water before it starts coming in.
His family is sticking it out but the Red Jacket Fire Department has already evacuated 20 homes on Demont Road in Seneca Falls. The Red Cross is putting several families up at the local Holiday Inn and the few people still in their homes had their power cut off this afternoon.
"With the water level rising, most of the homes are literally under water and I was fearful for an electrical short in a residence or something like that and with the road in the condition it is - it would be tough to come down and rescue someone stranded in a burning home," said Red Jacket Fire Chief Allen Larsen.
Brad Ellis is powering his house with a small generator and keeping a close watch on the forecast. An inch of rain can mean the water level in the Seneca River goes up by a foot.
"We're just powering the television so we can stay updated on the weather and keep perishable food safe," said Ellis
The fire department has been filling sandbags for other trouble spots around the area but sandbags can't help homeowners on Demont Road. Emergency crews just hope Brad Ellis - and the other neighbors trying to stick it out - are ready to leave at a moments notice.
"We're pretty reasonable people - we're not going to duke it out with mother nature," said Ellis
Firefighters will be filling more sandbags on Tuesday with help from Willard Correctional Facility.
Earlier Coverage:
Some people living along Cayuga Lake in Seneca Falls are being evacuated from their homes because of flooding.
Seneca Falls Fire Chief Allen Larsen says they've evacuated people living on Demont Road Spur. About 20 homes are affected. Chief Larsen says electric has been turned off to the homes.
The Red Cross is assisting people by giving them coupons to stay at the Holiday Inn in Waterloo.
Chief Larsen says he expects the situation to get worse before it gets better. He did not know when people will be allowed back into their homes.
Reporter Alex Dunbar is on his way to Seneca Falls. Stay with CNY Central for more on this developing story.
