ITHACA, N.Y. – The Lansing Fire Department and the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office were among first responders at The Shops at Ithaca Mall, which experienced severe flash flooding on Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has extended a flash flood warning which was issued Thursday, predicting severe weather conditions through Friday night.

Several dozen vehicles were submerged in water which flooded the lower parking lot at the Ithaca Mall just after 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Several shops were forced to close early due to storefront flooding, including Target, the Bon Ton, Michaels and Old Navy.

Police say the flash flooding is widespread, and have been receiving and responding to calls from all over the county.

The flash flood warning remains in effect for several counties throughout Upstate New York, including Tompkins.

The NWS predicts that the final round of thunderstorms are expected to move through Tompkins County Friday evening and are predicted to subside by 8 p.m. Heavy downpours are expected to significantly increase the risk of flash flooding in the area, especially to areas which have already received heavy rainfall this week.

Alyvia is a Crime Reporter with The Ithaca Voice. She graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Journalism and Photography.