A sudden influx of mild weather is bringing Southern Ontario a brief respite from the early winter temperatures of last week.

But it’s causing serious concerns in upper New York state.

The area that was pounded with two metres of snow is now facing the threat of flooding as all of that accumulation melts. Officials say the warming trend will cause a rapid melt of the snow cover. It could be the equivalent of 150 millimetres of rain.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is warning residents in flood-prone areas around Buffalo to move valuables up from the basement, pack a bag and prepare for the possibility of evacuation.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says a ban on driving will continue in hard-hit South Buffalo as hundreds of dump trucks, loaders and other snow removing equipment continue to work around the clock.