Western New York drying out after storms cause flooding

PORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) — Residents of New York state's southwestern corner are dealing with wet basements and washed-out roads from flooding touched off by torrential rains that hit the region this week.

The National Weather Service says several inches of rain fell Tuesday in Chautauqua County towns and villages along the Lake Erie shoreline southwest of Buffalo. Meteorologists say nearly 6 inches of rain fell on the town of Portland.

The resulting flash flooding inundated hundreds of basements in Portland and neighboring Westfield and washed away several roads and culverts. No injuries were reported.

Several people had to be evacuated from their homes, and a section of the Thruway was closed for several hours Tuesday due to flooding.

The weather service says the region will start to dry out Wednesday, with no rain in the forecast for the next two days.