Community Corner

Flood Watch Upgraded to Flood Warning for Lehigh, Northampton

Never attempt to drive across flooded roads or around "road closed" barriers

Weather forecasters say the Lehigh Valley should brace for a deluge tonight. Up to two inches of rain have fallen and two more inches could drench us during Thursday night.

The region's flood watch has been upgraded to a flood warning as of about 5 p.m. Thursday. The National Weather Service says our ground is saturated and additional rain can be expected to swell creeks and streams.

A 76-year-old man died yesterday when he was swept into the cold and fast waters of the Monocacy Creek in Lower Nazareth Township.

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The forecast includes high winds which could bring down trees and utility poles.

PennDOT has a warning for motorists braving wind and heavy rain: be alert for driving hazards and DO NOT drive through flooded roads.

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The agency says it will be on alert for flooded roads and bridge problems caused by swelling creeks and streams. Inspection crews will be out checking for debris and possible damage to bridges.

PennDOT stresses the importance of not driving across water-covered roads because motorists can't tell how deep the water is. Never try to drive around barriers on closed roads.

Motorists in Pennsylvania can call PennDOT’s 24-hour, toll-free road
condition hotline by dialing “511.” 

Other information for motorists is avaliable at www.511PA.com.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAAllentown.


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