Pennsylvania Floods: Lehigh River Rafters Found Safe, Several Counties Declare Emergency [Photos]

Several counties across Pennsylvania such as Lackawanna and Chemung were under flash flood warning Monday, as heavy rains inundated roads and filled several basements with water.

According to Chemung County officials, several routes and roads have been closed in the region and the emergency management agency advised residents to leave areas that have a history of flash flooding.

“Flash flooding is unpredictable and you may need to leave at a moments notice. Please stay alert. Unnecessary travel is not advised at this time,” the Chemung County Office warned.

A state of emergency was declared in Old Forge in Lackawanna County on Monday evening as heavy rain pounded the region. According to the National Weather Service at Binghamton, the Lackawanna River is expected to crest at just more than 12 feet near Old Forge.

Old Forge officials have requested businesses in the affected area to remain closed Tuesday; however, no evacuations have been planned.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesman Michael Taluto said crews were cleaning up debris across the Central Scranton Expressway. As the roads remained open, drivers were requested to be cautious while driving.

On Monday, water rescue crews conducted a massive search along the Lehigh River near Jim Thorpe and Lehighton in Carbon County in the state after Lehighton officials reported as many as 145 rafters were missing. By late Monday night, all the rafters, who belonged to a church group, were found safe.

Lehigh River had swelled up following heavy rains and the empty raft was found in the evening, raising concerns that rafters were missing. State police had confirmed early Monday night most of the rafters were safe; however search went on till all of them were found.

“It sounds like they’re kind of wrapping it [the search] up right now. They seem to be happy with the numbers, or else they’d still be out there. The people on the scene are talking to the rafting company,” Carbon County 911 Director Gary Williams said.

The National Weather Service said 1.2 inches of rain was recorded at Lehigh Valley International Airport within 3 hours on Monday.

Northampton County too witnessed flooding, but Todd Weaver, the director of Emergency Management, said it was not as severe as in Lehigh County.

“Flooding is always a big deal, but as far as right now, we seem to be skidding by. We have a lot of localized flooding here or there, but a big portion of the county, yeah, has rain, but isn’t necessarily dealing with the issues a smaller portion of the county is,” he said.

A state of emergency was declared in Delaware Valley after the Darby Creek crested over its banks. Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Schuylkill Expressway were also closed due to heavy flooding.

King of Prussia in Montgomery County was another severely affected area as high waters swamped multiple vehicles and trapped several motorists.