Flash flood watch for central Pa. through noon tomorrow

(Harrisburg) — More rain is hitting the midstate as the region remains under a flash flood watch through noon tomorrow.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has activated its Response Coordination Center to address the effects in the central and eastern parts of the state.

A flood warning is in effect for the Swatara Creek near Hershey until 3:00 a.m. Saturday and the Yellow Breeches Creek near Camp Hill until 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.

While flash flooding caused by fast-rising creeks and basement flooding seems to be the worst of the effects of the heavy rains, Executive Deputy Director Jeff Thomas said PEMA is prepared to help any of the communities impacted by the weather.

“Think about a weather cell moving straight up through the middle of the state, then a very small break in that — pulling another weather cell behind it,” said Thomas. “Some of them dumping two to three inches of rain in a very short period of time, which of course causes that immediate flash flooding.”

For example, he said Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Teams are on stand-by at Fort Indiantown Gap and in Johnstown in case there’s a need for a hoist capability rescue.

“We have the National Guard with four high-water vehicles that can assist, should the need be,” he added.

Thomas says motorists should avoid trying to drive over flooded roads.

The National Weather Service in State College says flood stage for Swatara Creek at Hershey is seven feet. As of 3:00 this morning, the stage was 13.9 feet.

Forecasters say major flooding is expected, with the waters cresting near 14.5 feet later this morning. 

Flood stage for the Yellow Breeches Creek near Camp Hill is seven feet, which was reached last night at 11:00.

The waterway is expected to crest near eight feet overnight and fall below flood stage tomorrow morning.