GREENE, CHENANGO COUNTY -- As the Chenango River rises to dangerous levels people in the Village of Greene can only sit back and watch.

"This is really bad, it's going to be like 2006," said Marvin Murphy. "There is going to be a lot of devastation. And it's already started."

As big tree limbs and hay get caught up in the current, onlookers were anxious for the relentless rain to stop and the water to recede.  Wednesday night, there was only a few inches between the river and the Route 206 bridge that runs into downtown Greene.

Greene and nearby Coventry are under a state of emergency, they are about 70 miles Southeast of Syracuse.  Officials are warning people not to travel on the roads until further notice. 

The rushing river has already flooding backyards and basements, forcing some out of their homes.  "We just evacuated, it came up fast and it's not going down," said Chris Phillips. "I'm afraid to go back to my house, it's like white water rafting in my driveway, probably 8 feet of water."

As the river threatens to spill over the banks, it brings back haunting memories of the deadly floods of 2006. And neighbors in Greene are bracing for what could be another historic flood. Meanwhile, first responders are on standby to respond to emergencies.

"It's hard because you can't manage water, mother nature doesn't let you manage. So we have to make sure people are safe and aware, and then just clean up afterwards. That's basically all we can do," said Greene Fire Chief Dan Montgomery.

Forecasters predict the Chenango River will peak by Thursday morning.