Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Rising temperatures are breaking river ice across western Pennsylvania, raising the threat of sudden flooding in low-lying communities through Friday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Flood Watch remains in effect until Friday afternoon for 14 counties across northwest, southwest, and western Pennsylvania, including Venango, Forest, Butler, Westmoreland, Fayette, Indiana, Clarion and Lawrence counties. Ice jams forming along area rivers and creeks could force water out of banks with little warning.
Communities such as Oil City, Franklin, Butler, Greensburg, Uniontown and Indiana face the greatest concern near flood-prone roadways and riverfront neighborhoods. Ice blockages can cause rapid water rises upstream, potentially covering secondary roads and inundating basements. Emergency managers warn that conditions can change within minutes if ice shifts.
Residents living along rivers, streams and low-lying areas should closely monitor water levels and be prepared to move to higher ground. Drivers should avoid water-covered roads and never attempt to cross barricades. Charging mobile devices and reviewing evacuation routes now could save critical time if warnings are issued.
Additional Flood Warnings may be posted before Friday afternoon as ice movement continues.
