Major flooding affecting parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, US
Heavy rainfall falling over the past couple of days caused major flooding in parts of the U.S. Northeast and Mid-Atlantic where rivers continue rising. In Pennsylvania's Lower Susquehanna Valley, authorities are describing the flooding as historic. A slow moving low pressure system combined with ample moisture will produce additional rainfall, some locally heavy from the Mid Atlantic to New England into Thursday, July 26, NWS warns. Flooding of low lying areas, streams, creeks, and rivers will be possible, the agency said.
Up to 420 mm (16 inches) of rainfall fell across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast between July 21 and 26, causing major flash flooding in parts of the region. Numerous water rescues were reported and at least one city in Pennsylvania, the worst affected state, declared a disaster emergency.
One of the most heavily impacted creeks in the state, and the region, is Swatara Creek, east of Harrisburg, where two gauges reached major flood stage. Swatara flooded onto State Route 39 in Hershey, washing away parts of the roadway and forcing evacuations.
NWS State College said 'historic flooding is ongoing in Lower Susquehanna Valley,' adding that Swatara Creek at Hershey reached the second-highest level since records began in 1975.
"Swatara Creek at Hershey is forecast to remain in major flood level into the [July 26th] afternoon," the office said. "Max crest stage of 5.20 m (17.08 feet) is the 2nd highest level since records began in October 1975 (43 years)."
The creek is expected to fall below flood stage this weekend.
The Susquehanna River at Harrisburg is projected to crest around 5.79 m (19 feet) or just below moderate flood level late, Thursday, July 26.
In Pennsylvania, the floods are being called historic. Some have had to escape flooded homes and cars by boat. Parts of the state have gotten more than a foot of rain since the downpours started over the weekend. @DeMarcoReports is there. pic.twitter.com/hdpxKKhNuv
— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 25, 2018
The Swatara Creek has flooded over RT. 39 and the bridge is closed. You can see part of the road has been washed out. @NWSStateCollege @CBS21NEWS pic.twitter.com/VG1bxq3JkP
— SkyView21 (@SkyView21_CBS21) July 25, 2018
It has rained A LOT over the past 5 days in central PA! But just how much water has fallen? Here are a few comparisons to put it in perspective! #PAwx pic.twitter.com/8E9qpmFmvj
— NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) July 26, 2018
Many home around the Swatara Creek are now surrounded by water as the Creek continues to rise. @NWSStateCollege @CBS21NEWS pic.twitter.com/ZqDHdIyhSf
— SkyView21 (@SkyView21_CBS21) July 25, 2018
Rat. 39 in Hershey is totally covered by the Swatara Creek. You can see parts of the roadway has been washed away. @NWSStateCollege @CBS21NEWS pic.twitter.com/N6o5E2BV8P
— SkyView21 (@SkyView21_CBS21) July 25, 2018
Swatara Creek at Hershey is forecast to remain in major flood level into the afternoon. Max crest stage of 17.08ft is the 2nd highest level since records began in October 1975 (43 years). #PAwx @NWSMARFC pic.twitter.com/0qoDCGbUrg
— NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) July 26, 2018
Take a look at our current forecasts for Hershey, Harper Tavern, Middletown, and Harrisburg. pic.twitter.com/87NgP0sDD2
— NWS MARFC (@NWSMARFC) July 26, 2018
The sun will come back out tomorrow and a beautiful weekend is in store! Enjoy the nice weather, but don't let your guard down! Many hazards will remain through the weekend. #FloodSafety #PAwx pic.twitter.com/GS3X9lgDKF
— NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) July 25, 2018
Baltimore and Washington D.C. metro areas had many of their roads flooded Wednesday, July 25, TWC's Brian Donegan noted.
Rock Creek in northwestern Washington D.C. and Sligo Creek in Takoma Park, Maryland, both surpassed flood stage Wednesday evening.
Up to 305 mm (1 foot) of water was reported on Main Street in downtown Ellicott City, Maryland, Wednesday evening. Three lanes of the Capital Beltway Inner Loop were blocked by high water in Montgomery County, Maryland. Some backyards and parking lots in the area were also inundated, and a water rescue was reported in Four Corners, Maryland.
At least two damaging tornadoes were reported; one in Lincolnia, Virginia and the other in Heidelberg Township, Pennsylvania. Both were rated EF-0.
Never drive through water on a flooded road. You never know what's under the water. pic.twitter.com/W4TyQGuxKx
— York County (PA) OEM (@YCOEM) July 25, 2018
#Knoebels is closed today due to #flooding. These are scenes from earlier today. We’ve already started cleanup. Stay tuned for updates! #Pennsylvania #AmusementPark #Flood pic.twitter.com/0Y8fvVrsHH
— Knoebels Amusement Resort (@knoebels) July 25, 2018
Looks like a river of milk chocolate, but that's now what they were going for yesterday as flood waters hit Hershey Park #flooding pic.twitter.com/4ORcv1sZWv
— Brian Smith WTVC (@StormTrackBrian) July 24, 2018
This is what it looked like in Tremont not too long ago. The road turned into a river. pic.twitter.com/jjxPr3dGt7
— Stefano DiPietro (@stefanowx) July 23, 2018
People gather to watch as the Duke Street Bridge in Hummelstown is covered by the Swatara Creek as it rises to around 17 feet. @PennLive @InsideHershey @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/qkjYB0pHc2
— Sean Simmers (@SeanSimmers) July 25, 2018
You can find more videos of the flooding at the following link https://stormwall.org/
Featured image credit: Live Storms Media
Now that the 400 years is up the visitation has begun and it will not stop until the children come home whom you of the earth hated so much. Those who did the law of their father will return!!!!! Be ready to leave you chosen, be ready you kings who hated them for the 8th day! Of the new week of sevens is coming! Act 7:5-7 Isaiah 10:1-23