PEMA, PennDOT Reminds Pennsylvanians to Prepare for Potential Flooding in Southeast and Snow in Northern Tier Counties
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In the midst of a storm bringing heavy rainfall and anticipated snow to some areas of the state, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is advising residents in the Southeast and Northern tier to listen carefully to all severe weather warnings; and act immediately if protective measures are advised. Along with the several inches of rain that has fallen already in the Southeast, and the potential for more than eight inches of snow has been predicted in higher elevations for Pennsylvania’s Northern tier counties.
Forecasters are also calling for high winds overnight into tomorrow in central and eastern Pennsylvania. Wind gusts could be more than 40 miles per hour creating treacherous crosswinds for drivers along bridges and open highways as well as downing trees and impacting power lines.
“The abundance of snow and rain previously from the winter and early spring has created saturated conditions over most of the state,” said PEMA Deputy Director Richard D. Flinn. “Flash flooding could occur on some creeks and streams since rain and snow are forecasted to continue into Monday.”
In addition to a family emergency plan, those in areas with a high risk for flash flooding should have at least the following disaster supplies on hand:
— Flashlights and extra batteries — A portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries — First aid kit and manual — Emergency food and water — Non-electric can opener — Essential medicines/prescriptions — Cash, credit cards and important legal documents — Sturdy shoes
PennDOT is warning motorists not to drive into low-lying areas or over roads and bridges that are already under water, since the average-sized automobile can be swept off the road by as little as 12 inches of moving water. Roads covered by water could also collapse at any time.
Pennsylvania is widely considered one of the most flood-prone states in the nation. PEMA officials will continue to monitor flood conditions statewide and increase staffing levels in the state emergency operations center to support county response and recovery, if necessary.
Motorists within Pennsylvania may call PennDOT’s 24-hour, toll-free road condition hotline at 1-888-783-6783 for interstate conditions. Out-of-state motorists can call 717-783-5186. For assistance in the event of an emergency, call 911.
For additional emergency preparedness and winter safety information as well as current weather advisories please visit the PA Emergency Management Agency Web site at http://www.pema.state.pa.us/ .
CONTACT: Maria A. Finn (717) 651-2001 Rich Kirkpatrick (717) 439-1787 (cell)
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
CONTACT: Maria A. Finn, +1-717-651-2001, Rich Kirkpatrick,+1-717-439-1787, cell
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/