Winter storm brings heavy rain, high winds and flooding across Bucks County
Images may be subject to copyright.Tuesday saw the entry of a strong storm into Bucks County, which resulted in numerous roads being stopped and flooded, hundreds of people losing electricity, and hours of work for emergency personnel.
The National Weather Service at Mount Holly, New Jersey, issued a forecast that stated that after the storm passed away overnight, winds continued to buffet the area for hours and that over 2 inches of rain had fallen. Emergency personnel dealt with flood waters as nearby streams and creeks overflowed their banks, cleared fallen trees, assessed damage, and attempted to restore power to thousands of people who were left without light during the night.
The region was expected to see clearing skies on Wednesday morning, but strong gusts were predicted to persist. The region saw its highest rainfall just before midnight. Officials warned that there would still be a risk of fallen trees because the ground is so wet.
Another storm was predicted for Friday, and it could bring more rain to the area. The NWS reported on Wednesday that it might bring another 1.5 inches of rain from Friday night until Saturday morning.
Lower Bucks County's flood-prone Neshaminy Creek burst its banks on Tuesday night, rising to a height of slightly over 13.76 feet by Wednesday morning—the highest level recorded during this storm event.
On the Neshaminy, a flood warning is in place until after five on Wednesday night.
The creek in the area, which includes Hulmeville and a portion of Middletown and Lower Southampton, is currently approaching major flood stage at 14 feet, having reached flood stage at approximately 9 feet.
The creek was measured at 13.76 feet at 5 a.m., but according to NWS charts, it should start to recede throughout the morning.
Storm impacts Bucks County
The Bucks County Emergency Operations Center opened at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
"We're looking at the usual spots along the Neshaminy for flooding," said county spokesman Jim O’Malley.
He said the county was experiencing downed trees and wires and flooding as the rain and wind continue Tuesday night.
Along the Delaware, River Road between Taylorsville Road and Route 532 in Upper Makefield is closed, officials said.
“Some road closures have already been reported, and motorists should be aware of hazardous road conditions arising from flooding, fallen trees and downed power lines,” according to the county.
“Residents are reminded not to drive into flooded roadways. It takes just a few inches of water to move a vehicle.”
Lower Makefield Police Chief Kenneth Coluzzi said Tuesday night that there are "trees and wires down in multiple areas.”
A large tree was reported down across Tyburn Road at Lincoln Highway in Falls, and several roads were also closed in Northampton and Doylestown as the heavy rain fell Tuesday night with strong wind gusts.
The Pennsylvania State Police at Trevose said there are tree hazards on the highway but Interstates 95 and 295 are not closed as of 8 p.m.
Neshaminy Creek flooding
With the storm moving out, the county's focus is on the Neshaminy.
NWS forecasters said to expect moderate flooding on the creek, which can threaten homes and businesses in the area. But, by Wednesday morning the creek surpassed forecasts and neared major flood stage.
“Tidal flooding along the Delaware River also is a possibility this evening, especially during high tide. In Bucks County, tidal flooding typically affects areas near and to the south of Morrisville,” the county said in a release.
O’Malley said on Wednesday and Thursday attention will turn to the Delaware River, which rises slower than the creek.
In Bristol, the Delaware has already creeped into Riverfront Park on Tuesday as the river was still swollen from earlier storms over the weekend.
