Schoharie residents prepare for Sandy - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Schoharie residents prepare for Sandy

SCHOHARIE, NY -- Some areas hard hit by Tropical Storm Irene last year are already bracing for another impact.

The roads in Schoharie are clear of debris and water today. However, Jim Cooke remembers what a disaster they were 14-months ago because he was with the Irene clean up crew. "Never seen anything like it before, never hope to see it again," Cooke said.

Since Hurricane Sandy does bring the potential for flooding in Schoharie, the mayor met with fire fighters Thursday night to go over emergency and evacuation plans.

"We're in the process of getting NY-DEP to lower the reservoir level," said Mayor John Borst.

Cooke is worried about the flooding because of his new business. "My wife and I purchased a new building in the village of Schoharie. If it floods again it will have a major impact on us," he said.

Mayor Borst said, "Schoharie is not bouncing back, it's clawing it way back."

With many shops still cleaning up from Irene, the Mayor is prepping for the worst. "People are afraid of facing something similar," Borst said.

They've already planned to have Schoharie Central High School as an emergency operation center.