Lancaster County Reels from Overnight Flash Floods
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is grappling with the aftermath of severe flash flooding that struck Monday evening and continued into early Tuesday morning. Over 1,000 residents are without power, numerous roads are impassable, and emergency services have been working tirelessly to respond to the crisis.
According to Lancaster County Wide Communications dispatch logs, first responders have been dispatched to over 100 flooding-related incidents since 6:38 p.m. Monday. These calls include reports of flooded roads and water rescues, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in State College issued a flood watch for Lancaster County and six surrounding counties early Tuesday morning, warning that flash flooding could cause creeks and streams to overflow. The watch remains in effect until 2 p.m.
Torrential Rainfall Overwhelms County
The deluge that triggered the flooding was significant. The NWS reports that Lancaster County received over 3.6 inches of rain at Lancaster Airport between 4 p.m. Monday and 2 a.m. Tuesday. This intense rainfall quickly overwhelmed drainage systems and caused rivers and creeks to swell.
The Conestoga River experienced a dramatic rise, surging from 5 feet to over 9 feet in just 15 hours. The river is currently in a minor flooding stage and continues to rise. Chiques Creek also flooded in the Manheim area.
Other major rivers in the county have seen minor increases, although they are not yet flooding, according to NWS reports.
Power Outages and Ongoing Threat
PPL is reporting that over 1,220 customers in Lancaster County are without power as of 5 a.m., with the majority of outages concentrated in Roherstown.
The NWS forecasts more showers and thunderstorms for the county after 3 p.m. Tuesday, with the potential for up to 1 inch of additional rainfall. This raises concerns about the possibility of further flooding and exacerbating the existing damage.
Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid flooded areas, and stay informed about weather updates. Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the floods.