New Castle, Pa. – Flash flooding has turned roads into rivers across southwestern Lawrence County, stranding drivers and shutting down streets as thunderstorms continue to drench the region into Monday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 2:30 p.m. for areas including New Castle, Oakwood, Shenango Township, and New Beaver. Law enforcement has already reported flooding in Shenango Township, with 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain since this morning and up to another inch possible before the warning expires.
Highways, neighborhood streets, and low-lying areas have quickly become impassable, especially near small creeks and underpasses. Motorists are urged to avoid any flooded roads—“turn around, don’t drown”—as most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles. Residents should also move valuables to higher ground and stay tuned to updates from local emergency agencies.
This is the most significant July flood for Lawrence County in several years, echoing previous summer storm events that swamped western Pennsylvania. Additional rainfall could trigger rapid rises in streams and more road closures through Monday afternoon.
The Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 2:30 p.m., with further advisories possible if heavy rain persists.
