The recent heavy rains have caused changes for boaters in some Finger Lakes. Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero has declared a ‘special state of emergency’ for Canandaigua and Honeoye Lakes. As of Friday morning, motorized boat traffic was prohibited from operating on both lakes.
Non-motorized boats are allowed to operate. Povero says both lakes remain at higher than normal water levels. He says with the upcoming holiday weekend, there are concerns about increased boat traffic causing a hazardous situation.
Povero says concerns include the amount of floating debris in the lakes and the relatively cold water temperatures should boats capsize and boaters be thrown into the water.
The Yates County Sheriff's Office has banned power boats from Keuka Lake until the water recedes. Sheriff Ron Spike says displaced docks and trees up to 40 feet long have been spotted floating in the lake.
Officials in Ontario County are advising boaters on Canandaigua and Honeoye lakes to steer well away from shore because many docks remain submerged.
