Emergency responders standing by in case of severe floods
Swatara Creek near Hummelstown on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Scott LaMar/WITF)
(Harrisburg) — Emergency management officials say they are ready to respond to severe floods.
Rain is expected to continue throughout central Pennsylvania Wednesday and flooding is likely on smaller creeks and streams.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency said it is coordinating state and county agencies to direct assistance to areas that need it.
PEMA Deputy Executive Director Jeff Thomas said Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Teams are on standby in Johnstown, Cambria County and Fort Indiantown Gap, Lebanon County.
“They’re there should we need to do any hoist-capable rescues, should flood waters rise faster than people can get out of the way and someone is in a life or death situation, stranded,” Thomas said.
The Pennsylvania National Guard is also ready with high water vehicles, and have already been called to use them in flooded areas of Schuylkill County.
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