It seems like the Buffalo, New York, area cannot seem to get any relief from extreme weather. A three-day storm last week dumped a record-breaking seven feet of snow in the area, killing at least 12 people in its wake. Now that the sun is out and temperatures are rising again, there are predictions of flooding caused by rain and melting snow.

"The biggest flood threat would be on Monday when temperatures are at their warmest," Weather Service meteorologist Jon Hitchcock said, as snow drainage could get blocked from autumn leaves trapped underneath. "There could be general urban flooding."

This amount of snow, roughly equivalent to six inches of rain, could be released over a two-day span, according to Erie County deputy executive Richard Tobe. This could seriously affect homes' basements and small creeks.

"If it was released as rain it would be a monumental storm," Tobe said.

A flood watch was issued for the area from Sunday to Wednesday by the National Weather Service. Gov. Andrew Cuomo made an address about the state's preparation for the inclement conditions.

"We are preparing now for more flooding than we've seen in a long, long time," he said. Cuomo added that the state was sending in water pumps, boats, helicopters and vehicles that are able to operate in 4-5 feet of standing water.

"If we're lucky, we won't need any of it," he said. "But prepare for the worst and hope for the best."

More than 30 major roofs collapsed from the snowfall, most cases involving farm or flat-roof buildings, according to reports from officials. Warmer temperatures could only make matters worse, as the snow becomes heavier when melting. Friday's warmer weather inspired several homeowners to climb up on their roofs to shovel the snow off to reduce potential collapses.

"We're getting really concerned about the weight of it," John Normile of Lake View said after his family removed the estimated six feet of snow from their home. "We've got to do it before the rain comes."

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