This brief describes the experiences of Schoharie, a small town in upstate New York, after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee caused serious flooding of the Schoharie Creek during August and September 2011. It describes the extent of damage, post-flood recovery activities and prospects for avoiding floods in the future. These events are interpreted from perspective of the National Planning Frameworks which emphasize preparedness, recovery and mitigation in guiding policies to reduce economic and other losses in local communities affected by natural disasters.