Butler County sees flood watch through Wednesday morning
Portions of the county — especially areas near creek beds — are at risk for flooding since a flood watch was issued Tuesday morning for Butler County.
The watch was to last until 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, according to the National Weather Service.
Through Tuesday night, meteorologist Shannon Hefferan said county residents could expect thunderstorms and hail. The National Weather Service is also monitoring conditions for a tornado watch, which is in place for parts of Ohio, she said.
Along some roads in Butler Township near Penn Township, front yards were seen completely saturated by water. Meanwhile, as levels of the Connoquenessing Creek in Penn Township were seen rising, the water continued to creep past the Renfrew Canoe Launch.
Trees were partially submerged in water along the banks of the creek as the rising water carried debris, including large tree branches, logs and a wooden bird house.
As Dave Engler, of Penn Township, parked to take a picture, he joked that he could fish from his car.
Engler, who said he lives uphill near the airport, said he wasn’t concerned about flooding on his property, but said he anticipated residents living near the creek would be affected by the rising water.
People, especially motorists, should heed flood warnings and road closures, said Steve Bicehouse, county director of emergency services.
“If you come across a flooded roadway, don’t cross it,” Bicehouse said. “Turn around.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shared Tuesday that roadwork has not been postponed due to the weather, adding that the organization will continue to monitor roads for flooding. According to PennDOT, Ekastown Road was temporarily closed in both directions between the intersections of Hranica Road and Meadow Street in Buffalo Township, but was reported to have reopened Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency services also are monitoring conditions, according to Bicehouse. He noted the county has a trained water rescue team prepared for such events, as flooding is a known risk in Butler County.
He said the flooding expected Tuesday and Wednesday is different from flash flooding, which occurs with little notice.
“What we’re seeing today is a gradual rise of creek beds and a gradual rise of secondary streams,” he said. “It allows you to monitor (the flooding) and gives you more time to react.”
Since Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Bicehouse said flooding in Butler County has mainly been localized, and not widespread.
PennDOT tips for motorists
- Never drive through flooded roads. It takes just 2 feet of fast-moving water to float a car.
- Turn on your wipers and headlights to increase visibility.
- Reduce your speed and increase the following distance to other vehicles. Vehicles can begin to hydroplane on a wet roadway.
- Motorists can check roadway conditions and closures by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1 and on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
