Building a More Resilient Avon: Learning from the Floods and Looking Ahead
Collin Hayes
Sackett Road flood damage (WHAM News)
Last Wednesday, the Town and Village of Avon experienced significant and devastating damage due to severe flooding. Our stormwater infrastructure was overwhelmed, leading to extensive property damage to homes and the destruction of several roads. Estimates show that parts of Avon received anywhere from four to six inches of rain in a matter of hours – a truly staggering amount.
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our volunteer fire departments and other first responders. They sprung into action without hesitation, protecting public safety and tirelessly helping residents pump out flooded homes. Similarly, our Highway and Public Works employees have been working around the clock, and continue to do so, to repair our roads and infrastructure. Their commitment to our community is truly inspiring.
This recent deluge, while severe, is unfortunately not an isolated incident. It follows what has already been a record-setting year for rainfall. While specific data for Avon is unavailable, data from Rochester International Airport, our regional indicator, shows that we have received nearly 20 inches of rainfall thus far this year, compared to an average of 15.5 inches. May alone saw 5.6 inches recorded at the Airport, significantly higher than the average of 3.8 inches.
Our community has faced major flooding events in recent memory. In July of 2014, we received seven inches of rain in under 24 hours, causing widespread damage to homes and roads. The Mother's Day flood of 2015 likewise dumped four inches of rain on Avon in less than an hour, creating similar challenges throughout our community.
As the Chair of the Town Planning Board, and as a deeply invested resident of Avon, I am looking forward to hearing more from Town officials about how our roads and stormwater infrastructure will be repaired. This includes actively exploring opportunities to secure grant monies from the state to repair our roads and pursuing USDA funding to help mend our stormwater infrastructure. These immediate steps are critical for our recovery.
However, it is abundantly clear that a trend is emerging. These extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and, tragically, more damaging. While the essential work of cleanup and repair continues, it is equally important, if not more so, to look forward. We must proactively determine how we can make our community more resilient to these growing risks.
In this series of posts, I will delve into various approaches that can be taken to build resiliency in the face of these more frequently occurring severe weather events. We will explore topics such as:
Land Use and Development Regulations: How can our local planning and zoning best contribute to flood mitigation and community resilience? Read the post here.
Hazard Planning: What strategies can we implement to better prepare for and respond to future extreme weather events? Read the post here.
Leveraging Technology: How can modern technological solutions aid us in monitoring, predicting, and managing stormwater, and protecting our infrastructure? Read the post here.
Federal and State Funding Resources: A deeper dive into the grants and programs available to help us fund critical infrastructure improvements and resilience initiatives. Read the post here.
Join me in these discussions as we work together to build a stronger, more resilient Avon for generations to come. Your insights and participation are invaluable as we navigate these challenges and plan for a more secure future.
