Hertel Avenue businesses clean up after flash flooding in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A powerful round of storms brought flash flooding in Western New York last night, leaving behind a mess for many homeowners and businesses in parts of Buffalo this morning. It happened fast, rain turning into rushing water on roadways quickly becoming nearly impassable. Darla Jones, who owns Second Nature Barbershop and Salon, wasn't there when the flooding hit.

“I was like let me get out of here before it starts raining,” said Jones. “And then once I looked at the footage, it started raining and flooding over here around 7-7:30.”

And Jones said she didn't realize how bad it was until early Friday morning when she arrived.

“Honestly I’ve been crying all the way out here,” said Jones. “It’s not a flood area so we don’t have flood insurance. So I don't know how that’s going to work out for us.”

Just down the road, Terrapin Station was also dealing with major damage. Store manager Anthony Hapka said customers rushed inside looking for shelter, but the water quickly followed them.

“It happened so quick,” said Hapka. “You didn't see it coming until the water was already up the street. Once it started coming into the front, I put the rubber mats in front of the doors and did my best to keep the water out.”

Hapka spent much of the night trying to protect what he could, moving merchandise out of the basement as water continued to pour in.

“Our inventory was completely wiped out in the basement,” said Hapka. “We had water coming in from the ceiling down there. Probably about three feet of water almost.”

For Jones, the road back could be challenging. She said repairing the salon could take weeks, threatening the small business she calls her livelihood.

“This is my bread and butter, so it's hard,” said Jones. “I’m trying not to cry again. It’s hard because it's a small business, and I put my all into it.” 

And there is another wrinkle here at Terrapin Station. The store already planned to close its doors at the end of September because its owner is retiring. Meanwhile with Second Nature, Jones said right now she’s simply hoping she can find a way to get her business back open and her clients back in her chairs.