Residents of Northumberland County should stay alert in preparation for potential flooding today, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
"People with property along the (Susquehanna) River should keep abreast of the situation. If the rain increases, the flooding could be worse," Barry Lambert, senior NWS meteorologist, said Tuesday afternoon.
Over 48 hours between Tuesday night and Thursday night, the area is expected to be drenched with 4.5 to 5.5 inches of rain, he said.
Flood watches are in effect for 27 central and eastern Pennsylvania counties, including Northumberland, through Thursday evening, in which excessive rainfall and significant flooding are expected.
Heavy rain will last through Wednesday, and Thursday through Friday will continue with scattered showers, Lambert said.
The precipitation is the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, which is centered at Chattanooga, Tenn., traveling north through the eastern states. An extensive plume of tropical moisture will bring rain over the next few days, he said.
"We're looking at widespread stream and eventual river flooding. We have flood warnings for various points," he said.
The river is expected to rise sharply Thursday and Friday. In Sunbury, the river is expected to rise above 24 feet, which is when flooding occurs, Friday afternoon, he said.
Campground top concern
In the county, the river is being monitored and hot spots for flooding are being watched until further notice, said county Public Safety Director Steve Reiner.
"The main concern for flooding is Fantasy Island Campground," he said, referencing the camping spot in Upper Augusta Township between Sunbury and Northumberland.
The lower end of the island floods at 20 feet; the water was at 18 feet Tuesday afternoon.
The department has also reached out to local municipalities to make sure they are taking the necessary precautions, he said.
The county had a conference call with NWS to discuss the issues, but Reiner said it's too early to tell how much flooding will happen.
"We'll have more information (today). We'll see where things are and go from there," he said.
Fast, furious
The creek near Knoebels Amusement Resort was flowing fast and high Tuesday afternoon.
Fortunately, the park is only opens weekends now that Labor Day has passed.
"The timing of it (flooding) might work out for us. If it's going to happen, it should happen when we're not open," said Joe Muscato, public relations manager for Knoebels. "Best case scenario, the creek stays in the banks, but we'll see."
Otherwise, the employees have removed merchandise and other stands from lower levels and moved them to drier spots, he said.
"We don't know what each event is going to bring. You keep an eye on it and prepare for what happens," Muscato said.
Don't drive through water
PennDOT released a reminder to motorists to never drive through flooded roads or around barricades placed by emergency responders. Motorists should also slow down, allow extra travel time and expect delays.
"Motorists should never attempt to drive over flooded roadways," PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Scott Christie said in the media release. "Floodwaters are usually much deeper than they appear. Too often, emergency responders are asked to risk their own lives to pull stranded motorists to safety."
PennDOT crews were busy Tuesday clearing storm drains and preparing equipment such as chainsaws, loaders, message boards and barricades in anticipation of roads and bridges being closed due to floodwaters.
When it's raining or when roads are wet, motorists should reduce their speed, be certain to turn on their headlights and increase the following distance between vehicles. State law requires headlights to be turned on anytime a vehicle's wipers are used.
Because heavy rains can quickly flood roadways and cause lengthy travel delays, motorists should pack an emergency kit for their vehicles similar to winter emergency kits. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, a blanket, and extra clothing. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.