Just last week we wrote about extreme weather as a tornado ripped through parts just north of Sullivan County. And now our region has to contend with even more weather affecting our lives, infrastructure and wreaking havoc.

Heavy rain on Tuesday caused flooding overnight and into Wednesday morning, as areas like Liberty, Livingston Manor and North Branch got the brunt of it.

Rising waters caused flooding in homes and buildings and some roads were washed out.

As the damage was wrought there are some who head straight into it and look to help out.

To every firefighter, EMT, police officer, dispatcher, highway department employee, utility worker and volunteer who answered the call: thank you.

As most of us waited for the weather to pass, volunteer firefighters were out clearing roads and responding to emergency calls. EMS crews stood ready to help neighbors in need. Sheriff’s deputies, state police and local law enforcement worked to keep motorists safe. Highway departments from our towns, villages and the county fired up chainsaws and heavy equipment to remove fallen trees and reopen roads.

There will always be another storm. That’s life in this region. Trees will fall again. The lights will go out again. But each time they do, we can take comfort in knowing there are dedicated people who will answer the call, regardless of the hour or the weather.