As released by Dauphin County:
HARRISBURG, PA (October 11, 2013, 5 p.m.) – After several inches of rainfall in Dauphin County, Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III are encouraging citizens to drive carefully, avoid flooded roads, and to continue monitoring conditions near flood-prone areas.
“An additional inch or two of rain is expected tonight, which may cause additional flash flooding along creeks and low-lying areas,” said Pries, who oversees Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency. “If you have to drive, please use extreme caution and don’t attempt to drive through flooded areas.”
The National Weather Service has issued the following flood warnings:
Swatara Creek at Harper Tavern is forecasted to reach 9.5 feet tonight (minor flooding).
Swatara Creek at Hershey is expected to reach 7.5 feet overnight (minor flooding).
Swatara Creek at Middletown is forecasted to reach 11.6 feet overnight (minor flooding).
The Susquehanna River is not expected to reach action level, according to the NWS.
The following roadways in Dauphin County have been temporarily closed due to flash flooding:
Derry Township
Eby Road
Sunset Road
Wood Road
Clifton Heights Road in 800 Block
Londonderry Township
Engle Road at Lancaster County border
Swatara Creek Road between Route 230 and Iron Mine Run Road
Hoffer and Route 230
Lower Swatara Township
Swatara Park Road
Lake Drive
North End Bradford Avenue
o Spring Garden and Lumber
o Richardson Road at Summit Ridge Road
o Cockley Road and Willow Farm Road
South Hanover Township
South Hoernerstown Road
South Hanover Street
Knight Drive
Swatara Township
Lawnford Way
Highland from Monroe to Hanshue
· Highspire Borough
o Wolf Street
Conewago Township
o Prospect Road Bridge
o Koser Road Bridge
o Valley Road Bridge
o Hertzler Road Bridge
o Beverly Bridge (Old Hershey Road)
“Please stay home and off the roads if you can,” said Haste. “With multiple road closures and traffic accidents in central Pennsylvania, it’s best to avoid traveling.”
“Anyone living along the Swatara Creek and other small tributaries should remain vigilant for additional flooding this evening and move to higher ground if flooding develops,” said Hartwick. “Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.”
Citizens are encouraged to stay tuned to local television and radio stations for alerts and instructions.
Please visit www.ReadyPA.org for safety tips, emergency kit checklists and family plan templates.