Flooding has been reported in parts of the Northtowns and Lockport Friday afternoon. Heavy rains from a slow moving thunderstorm dumped as much as three inches of rain in a short period of time.
Lockport Mayor Mike Tucker has issued a driving ban because of flooded streets and intersections. The National Weather Service has posted a flood warning for the Northtowns through 10:30 p.m. Friday and until 12 midnight in Niagara County.
Weather Service Meteorologist Jim Mitchell says the heaviest rain has been across Niagara County.
"Especially hard hit has been the Lockport region. We saw some reports there of over three inches of rain in less than two hours. Many of the streets are flooded, the sewers, the manhole covers have been popped off, that kind of thing," said Mitchell.
Mitchell said the heavy rain stalled over the area, causing severe flooding in spots.
"We had reports of areas around Sheridan and Niagara Falls Boulevard, North Amherst and points north of roadways being covered in water," said Mitchell.
An earlier storm swept through Chautauqua County, causing flooding in the Village of Brocton. The American Red Cross had provided shelter for about 45 residents before the flooding eased, allowing residents to return to their homes.