Dauphin County issued the following announcement on Aug. 30.
Tropical Storm Ida is expected to impact Dauphin County this week, with heavy rains and flooding forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday.
The rain is expected to begin late Tuesday, with flooding potential starting Wednesday, according to the latest information.
National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Dauphin County and central Pennsylvania. Up to six inches of rain could fall between Tuesday night and Thursday, according to NWS.
“People might not think of death and destruction with rain, but that would be a mistake,” Dauphin County Commissioner Chair Mike Pries said. “Flash floods are the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the country.”
Here are things you can do to stay safe during the storm:
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Choosing a different travel route could save your life.
- Charge Essential Items: Power could be impacted, so charge your cellphone and check flashlight batteries.
- Have a Family Communication Plan: Set a safe meet-up location – do not forget your pets!
- Pack Your Vehicle Beforehand: If in a flood zone, have a 3-day supply of food, water, and medications.
- Remove Essential Items from the Basement.
- Check Your Sump Pump, Clear Exterior Drains.
- Do No Walk Through Flood Water: Even if the water seems calm, you never know what is underneath.
- Do Not Park Near Creeks, Streams, Rivers: Flash flooding happens fast and without warning.
“Nothing is for certain when predicting weather, but we all have to be prepared,” Dauphin County Commissioner Chad Saylor said. “Check in with your loved ones and neighbors.”
Dauphin County’s Department of Public Safety is in constant communication with NWS and other agencies to be best prepared for the storm event.
“And if we do get a significant rain event, that could impact your holiday weekend plans,” Dauphin County Commissioner George P. Hartwick III said. “You should not be recreating on rain-swelled waterways.”
We will pass along information as the storm progresses.
Original source can be found here.
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