Heavy Downpours Causing Flash Flooding, Closing Roads Throughout The Delaware Valley
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PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) - Heavy rains over the weekend combined with downpours Monday morning made some roadways impassable and others treacherous for motorists across the Delaware Valley.
State highway and emergency management officials reported numerous closed roads in a wide swath of the state from Williamsport to the Philadelphia suburbs, and some motorists had to be rescued.
Hazel Coles said water rose so quickly at her home in Darby that she had to evacuate through a window. She said there was about 3 feet of water on her street, and some people had to be evacuated by boat. She said the Red Cross was helping displaced residents.
"It's just crazy," she said. "I thank God it wasn't worse."
The Broomall Fire Company posted on Facebook photos of flooded roads and cars under water. Broomall Fire Company says volunteers were dispatched to several emergencies, including a water rescue on I-476 and voluntary evacuations along Lawrence Road.
In Philadelphia, flooding on the Roosevelt Boulevard, near Broad Street, has the entire roadway covered in water. Flooding has also snarled traffic on Kelly Drive. Earlier in the day, a driver had to be rescued at 25th and Diamond in North Philadelphia.
The Darby Fire Company safely evacuated Rick Khanna and his six-year-old dog Rocky.
"The person put him on their shoulder and got him back over here," said Khanna.
He says his property may be damaged but he's grateful lives are intact.
"I'm really thankful and appreciate their help, they're really doing a good job," Khanna added.
Police are actively rescuing people trapped in their cars due to flooding. Please stay off the roads
— Upper Darby Police (@UDPolice) August 13, 2018
Flash flooding is occurring in different areas of Chester County, PA where a Flash Flood Warning is in effect. DO NOT drive through flooded roads! #pawx pic.twitter.com/JPit3AjlMr
— CCDES (@CCDES) August 13, 2018
Over in Radnor Township an elderly woman had to be rescued.
Joan Bergquist, who lives in Devon, was on her way to a doctor's appointment when she got trapped in flooded waters.
The National Weather Service in State College said there were numerous reports of 6 inches of rain or more in Schuylkill and Columbia counties.
All lanes of the Schuylkill Expressway are BLOCKED, just east of King of Prussia — trucks are caught in the flash flooding. ????: Mike Cronin pic.twitter.com/2iKeAKJ7WX
— Joe Holden (@JoeHoldenCBS3) August 13, 2018
The Schuylkill Expressway was closed in both directions at the busy King of Prussia Mall exit. The waters affected dozens of stores and a parking garage at the mall.
The food court at the #KingofPrussia is closed because of flooding. So are some nearby stores, like Primark https://t.co/66VLXQ6Dd0 pic.twitter.com/2dBTvem482
— Matt Petrillo (@MattPetrillo) August 13, 2018
Officials tell CBS3 roughly 65 stores had to closed on Monday due to the flooding.
65 stores at the #KingOfPrussiaMall were closed today because of flooding.
— Matt Petrillo (@MattPetrillo) August 13, 2018
We're live with a look at some of the mess on @CBSPhilly at 4p https://t.co/GUYFG2jYVe #KOP #CBS3at4 pic.twitter.com/xZWHKReKNk
The rain is not letting up on 76 pic.twitter.com/i46DbfAfu2
— Matt Petrillo (@MattPetrillo) August 13, 2018
The Pennsylvania Turnpike WB was also closed at Exit 333 Norristown and the PA Turnpike EB was closed between Exit 326 Valley Forge and Exit 333 Norristown.
New Jersey Transit suspended the River Line service in both directions between the Walter Rand Transportation Center and the Waterfront Entertainment Complex due to flooding.
River Line service is suspended in both directions between the Walter Rand Transportation Center and the Waterfront Entertainment Complex due to flooding.
— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) August 13, 2018
In the Schuylkill County community of Tremont, the town was flooded last month and now again on Monday. Images of Spring Street show the road flooded. Homes in low-lying areas are being evacuated, and a shelter has been established at a high school.
For everyone in North Wayne/Radnor - I can't believe this flooding. Also, my car is in this lot in the first row and we can't get to it. I'm preparing to lose my car. pic.twitter.com/tdqhdCIr1s
— joy larkin ???? (@joy) August 13, 2018
Swedesford at 202 on-ramp is a river. Old Eagle School at Devon Park Drive is impassable. Parts of Gateway Shopping Center parking lot are flooded. Be careful today and don't drive thru standing water! pic.twitter.com/qZ9a1hma9R
— JenGatta (@JenGatta1) August 13, 2018
PennDOT asked commuters to check before driving their usual roads and 511Pa.com reported accidents and floods across the region; including flooding on Flooding on I-76 eastbound between (Beginning of I - 076) - Non Turnpike and Exit 328B: US 202 NORTH - KING OF PRUSSIA. I-76 EASTBOUND has reopened. Westbound remains closed.
⚠️ Due to flooding, many roads throughout PA are closed. We strongly encourage people to use https://t.co/xBnMAKHyVI to check the latest updates and road closures. #DriveSafe #ArriveAlive #TurnAroundDontDrown pic.twitter.com/3oDEgwapsy
— PA Department of Transportation (@PennDOTNews) August 13, 2018
⚠️ Parts of Pennsylvania are receiving heavy rain today and flash flood warnings. Check https://t.co/uKuZOUFmHi for the latest roadway updates and alerts. Please, be safe. If a road is flooded, don't try to drive through it. #TurnAroundDontDrown ????????️#FlashFlood #DriveSafe pic.twitter.com/TmWeaInZnm
— PA Department of Transportation (@PennDOTNews) August 13, 2018
DelDOT is also asking motorists to use caution on the roads.
Traffic Alert: Heavy rains are causing flooding in multiple areas this morning. Please use caution! #netde
— DelDOT (@DelawareDOT) August 13, 2018
Gov. Tom Wolf activated the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center on Monday morning and the National Guard was notified to be ready to help, if needed.