Most of WNY -- including Chautauqua County -- under Flood Watch Saturday through Sunday night...
We're into a "late December Thaw." The cold and snow has changed over to warmer temperatures and rain... and, there's a strong chance of flooding over the coming weekend. That from Forecaster Dave Zaff at the National Weather Service in Buffalo... who says a Flood Watch has been issued for the entire region... beginning Saturday afternoon. Zaff says a surge of warm, moist air is moving in from the Pacific Southwest and the Gulf of Mexico. He says temperatures will be around 45 Saturday... and, about 52 by Sunday. He adds we'll see a lot of rain now through Sunday night... in fact, he says it may be a record amount -- especially Saturday night. Zaff says on Saturday into Sunday morning... the region will see 1 to 2 inches of rain. He adds we'll be on the southern side of a frontal boundary over the weekend... so we'll just see rain, and, with the projected snowmelt... the strong likelyhood of flooding. He says that means residents living around places like Cattaraugus Creek... and, Silver Creek -- among others -- need to watchful.
County's Emergency Services Director says first responders ready for flood possibilities...
Local first responders... especially in the north county... will be keeping a close eye on area waterways during the weekend. Chautauqua County Emergency Services Director Julius Leone says it's important for people to be prepared should any flooding occur. Leone says they will stay in communiction with people in those areas like Cattaraugus Creek... and, Sunset Bay... where ice jam flooding tends to occur. He says it looks like the situation is changable, but, there will be some kind of flooding. While there are obvious places to keep an eye on... Leone says there are others that may not be so obvious -- such as local ponds, and low-lying areas. Leone says first responders are aware of the situation and ready to go at a moment's notice should waters begin the rise.
New Reg Lenna Center for the Arts director named...
A California woman who's worked in theater and the performing arts for more than 25 years has been named as the new executive director of the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. Reg Lenna Program Director and Interim Marketing Associate Len Barry says... following a comprehensive search and interview process... the Center's board of directors and community partners have named Kathleen Eads to the new post. The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts was formerly the Reg Lenna Civic Center. Most recently... Eads has been the Managing Director for the Anateus Company in Los Angeles. In a printed statement... Eads says "I look forward to utilizing my broad background in the arts to serve the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts... it's partrons and the community with thriving and wide-ranging programming." Among the upcoming programming will include the final Movies At the Center series shown on regular film before conversion to digital production. Piano Sensation Jim Brickman will perform at The Reg on Feb. 7 as part of his Love Tour.
