Flooding overtakes county, roads close Friday
Butler County first responders were called to 55 reports of flooding and four water rescues between 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11 and 4 a.m. Friday, according to dispatch reports released early Friday morning.
The National Weather Service of Pittsburgh estimated a total three inches of rain fell between Thursday evening into Friday morning, raising water levels, causing many road closures and affecting two schools.
Butler Area School District closed Friday, and Knoch School District moved to a remote learning day.
“There was light precipitation throughout most of (Thursday) and then it really ramped up. That started in late afternoon,” said Mike Kennedy, a meteorologist for the weather service.
A flood warning is in effect until 9:45 a.m., he added.
“It’s going to rain some more, another half inch throughout the course of the day,” he said.
As of 7:30 a.m., 511pa.com indicated several different roads throughout the county were closed. Major routes such as Evans City Road and parts of Route 38 were on the list.
Kennedy said drivers should be mindful even when driving on open roads, as standing water could make the path unsafe.
“There’s so many roads closed out there. If you need to get out, get out, but don’t drive through flood waters,” he said.
The flood conditions affected residents outside of Butler County as well. In South Buffalo Township, Armstrong County, the American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter for residents displaced by floods to receive food and relief supplies.
The shelter is open to anyone, including pets, and is located at the South Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, 100 Fire Hall Road, Freeport.
For assistance from the Red Cross, call 1-800-733-2767.
