NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
5 March 2008

 

FURTHER REVISED FLOOD FORECAST PUTS RIVER ABOVE FLOOD STAGE THURSDAY MORNING, CITY ISLAND PARKING CLOSED TONIGHT

 

Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed reported this afternoon that further revised flood forecasts now project the Susquehanna River to reach and exceed flood stage late morning Thursday (tomorrow), cresting Thursday evening near 18 feet.

As a result, City Island parking and use will be closed tonight and remain closed until the river drops below flood level.

Flood stage in Harrisburg is 17 feet. With the river going to as high as 18 feet by Thursday night, low-lying areas will get flooded not only on City Island but also on a few other unoccupied areas. It will also slow the drainage of local creeks and streams and cause them to back up.

Reed said at 18 feet, damage should be minimal and flooding will be more of a nuisance. The greater concern, however, is that rain coming Friday into Saturday will add water to the river when it is still at 90% bank full, "and if there is a lot of rain, this could produce real problems. We shall be watching like a hawk and, meanwhile, gearing up with material, supplies and personnel."