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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Residents in parts of Clinton County, New York, were ordered to evacuate Tuesday morning as an ice jam on the Saranac River sent water surging toward homes in Morrisonville and downstream communities.
Emergency crews reported rapidly rising water levels around 7:05 a.m. ET, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) in Burlington, Vermont, to issue a Flash Flood Warning for east‑central Clinton County, New York, in effect until 1 p.m. Several homes along Ladue Street and River Street in Morrisonville were evacuated out of precaution after an ice jam formed at the Saranac River, impounding water upstream and threatening nearby neighborhoods.
Local emergency officials said water had surrounded at least two homes, and while flooding had not entered structures as of early morning, conditions remained volatile.
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Newsweek reached out to Clinton County Emergency Management via online contact form for comment.
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Ice Jam Driving Dangerous Flood Conditions
Ice jams occur when large chunks of river ice break up and accumulate in narrow or shallow sections of waterways, creating a natural dam. These temporary blockages can force water to rise quickly upstream—sometimes within minutes—without any rainfall. When the jam suddenly releases, a surge of water can rush downstream, posing additional flooding dangers. The NWS warned that such rapid fluctuations were possible on Tuesday and urged residents to obey road closures and instructions from local authorities.
Immediate Threat Areas
According to the NWS alert, the jam at Morrisonville was causing life‑threatening flash flooding, affecting areas including Plattsburgh, Schuyler Falls, and multiple tributaries and drainage corridors connected to the Saranac River. Emergency crews also monitored conditions on Kent Falls Road, where another ice jam could send water rapidly into nearby low‑lying areas if released, NBC 5 reported.
Downstream, residents and businesses in Plattsburgh were told to be ready to move to higher ground should the ice dam break and send a surge of water toward the city.
Widespread Regional Flood Concerns
Ice jams have been affecting multiple communities across northern New York and Vermont this week, compounded by unseasonably warm temperatures that have accelerated river ice breakup. Meteorologists warned that additional ice‑related flooding issues could persist into mid‑week as temperatures fluctuate and a storm system approaches.
The NWS urged residents across the region to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roadways, and remember the safety rule: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Emergency responders continue to monitor the Saranac River and surrounding waterways for further changes throughout the day.
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