Update 2:10 p.m.: It has been reported that flooding conditions in Bronxville could get worse into the afternoon, as water is continuing to enter the Bronx River Parkway and is advancing into the Village. Residents are urged to take caution and stay off the streets if possible.
Despite an apparent break in the rain and winds brought to the area by Hurricane Irene this weekend, residents are still a long way from being all the way in the clear as of early Sunday afternoon, as a number of residential areas are still without power and roads still in very hazardous conditions.
In Bronxville, Con Edison is reporting around 2,900 homes without electricity, and crews are currently on the scene at a number of locations where fallen branches and trees have caused downed wires. Power outtages have been reported on Palmer Avenue at the Sunnybrook Gardens Apartments, on Bronxville Road between Palmer Ave and Pondfield Road, on Sagamore Road near Avon Road, as well as a number of other locations. Eastchester police report a few sporadic cases of power outtages in Eastchester, although the issue does not seem to be a major one.
Flooding is also widespread throughout the Village of Bronxville, including in all areas adjacent to the Bronx River Parkway, which is completely overrun. The Sprain Brook Parkway is also experiencing some significant flooding.
The Brooklands Apartments in Bronxville incurred especially devastating flooding and damage -- similar to the flooding experienced in 2007 -- as a number of first floor apartments are completly destroyed and nearby parked cars almost completely submerged. Significant flooding has also been reported at the Bronxville School, where the athletic fields and school entrance are under water.
In Tuckahoe as in Eastchester, major damages were thankfully avoided, although road conditions are still dangerous, leading local officials and police to urge residents to take caution. Here is a brief message from Tuckahoe Mayor Steven Ecklond communicated at 12:30 p.m.:
"Tuckahoe was very fortunate. There are still no major problems to report. Our DPW attended to a dozen or so down tree limbs but no loss of trees. The worst of the storm is over, however, flooding from the Bronx River is expected to worsen.
The lower Lake Avenue area is currently flooded and water levels are rising. Residents are pumping water from their homes in this area however we anticipate that the river will continue to rise throughout the afternoon. Garrett Avenue is closed to traffic, as well as parts of Yonkers Avenue. Vehicular access to homes in that area is completely restricted due to the closure caused by the Yonkers Avenue Construction Project. Members of the police department are providing escorts down the one way of Lake Avenue for resident so they can get to their homes.
The bridge over the Bronx River on Scarsdale Road at Yonkers Avenue is inches from being washed over. The Police Department is closely monitoring it, and may need to shut the bridge roadway. Should that occur, there will be no vehicle access from Yonkers into the village.
After participating in the conference call earlier this morning, our problems pale to the hardships experienced by other municipalities in the county."
Stay tuned with Patch for continuing updates on the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.
