BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Fears of disastrous flooding from a rapid meltdown of the Buffalo area's 7 feet of snow are easing. But high winds have become another menace, threatening to knock down trees and power lines.

Forecasters, meanwhile, are defending the National Weather Service following criticism from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who faulted the agency's work ahead of Buffalo's epic snowstorm.

Minor-to-moderate flooding has been reported in several creeks, but nearby homes have largely been spared. And officials say the sewers in Buffalo and elsewhere are handling the runoff.

Still, forecasters say the potential for flooding remains through Wednesday morning.