Scranton, Pa. – Flash flooding could strike parts of northeast Pennsylvania by Wednesday evening, with a Flood Watch now in effect for Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding areas starting at 5 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, the watch includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties and remains active until midnight. Forecasters warn that excessive rainfall may trigger rapid runoff, overwhelming creeks, streams, and low-lying roads.
Urban areas like Hazleton and Tunkhannock could see street flooding, especially near poor drainage zones. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways and to plan alternate routes for evening commutes. PennDOT crews are on alert for potential closures if flooding worsens.
Residents in flood-prone zones should charge devices, gather emergency supplies, and monitor alerts in case warnings are upgraded. Flash Flood Warnings could be issued quickly if downpours intensify.
Although this is not a tropical system, the rainfall rates expected are capable of producing flooding similar to summer storms in 2021 that overwhelmed local infrastructure.
More updates are expected later tonight as rainfall totals accumulate. The Flood Watch remains in place through midnight.
