CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLACED ON ALERT FOR FLOOD WATCH
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today reported that the City’s Emergency Management Team has been placed on alert status for the possibility of both localized and river and stream flooding that could occur later this week.
Heavy rain tomorrow night (Tuesday, March 4), expected to be one to two inches locally, may produce some flooded streets and creek flooding in low-lying areas. Of greater concern is that areas to the north and west, where the headwaters of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers begin, will receive more rain and those areas have a snowpack containing the equivalent of another two inches of water which will partially melt as warmer temperatures and rain combine. All of this rain and melt will flow into the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers and flow downstream to Harrisburg, with the Juniata entering the main stem of the Susquehanna River just north of Harrisburg. "We get a double-whammy in such a circumstance," Reed said.
Reed reminded that a flood watch means conditions could produce flooding and to be prepared if an actual flood warning would be issued.
The Mayor said City agencies have been directed to prepare equipment, supplies and vehicles, in the event they are needed. The flood watch covers most of south central Pennsylvania, effective immediately.
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