Flooding becomes new threat in snowy Buffalo

Buffalo: Residents of western New York may soon have to worry about the water in their basements as well as the snow on their roofs.

After a three-day onslaught that dumped a historic 7 feet of snow on the Buffalo area and killed at least 12 people, the sun came out Friday, but so did predictions of flooding caused by rain, temperatures of up to 60 degrees and blocked catch basins.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Sunday to Wednesday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state was sending in pumps, boats, helicopters and high-axle vehicles that can operate in 4 to 5 feet of water, just in case.

The snow remained a huge challenge. Officials were urging people to put off nonessential travel so removal efforts could progress.