Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Rain floods roads, more on the way; flood warning issued
First responders rescue driver trapped in high water on Horseshoe Trail at Pickering Creek
Heavy rains Thursday morning closed a number of roads across the region, trapping at least two motorists in high water that flooded roads.
And the forecast calls for more of the same, with a flood watch issued for the entire region from 6 p.m. Thursday right through 6 a.m. Saturday. Friday looks like the worst of the lot, with heavy rain forecast at times.
In West Pikeland a driver of a BMW sedan was trapped in high water on Horseshoe Trail at Pickering Creek just after 7 a.m. near Kimberton Road. West Pikeland police and Lionville Fire Company responded with rescue teams and a boat. Firefighters wearing swift water rescue gear were able to reach the driver and assist him to safety with safety floatation devices. The car was towed by Eagle Service once flood waters receded.
“That road floods quite regularly when we have these kind of storms,” said West Pikeland police Sgt. Wayne O’Connell. “Motorists should not drive through flooded roads, they can check out our Facebook page for information on road conditions.”
Other roads in West Pikeland that were closed included, Lower Pine Creek and Clover
Mill roads.
A flood warning is in effect for the Brandywine Creek and its tributaries until Saturday, due to forecasts of heavy rain. Motorists are urged to use caution on roads that cross rivers, creeks and streams and do not drive through flooded areas: US Route 1 (Baltimore Pike), Creek Road, Camly Lane, Ring Road, Heyburn Road, Smithbridge Road, Ridge Road and Bullock Road. Dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
Earlier in the morning Cochranville firefighters were called to Bush and Ross Fording roads in West Fallowfield for a water rescue. That driver was able to safely escape the floods on their own.
In East Whiteland, water leaking into an apartment at the new Atwater Village complex set off the fire alarm.
Trees were reported down on a number of roads including Route 252 in Treddyffrin.
The National Weather service issued a flood watch through Friday night with heavier rainfall moving into the Delaware Valley Thursday evening. Officials said moderate to heavy rain will persist through at least Friday night, and possibly into the weekend with amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected.
The weather service said a variety of flooding is possible. Low-lying and poor drainage flooding will be the most common type of flooding to develop. Thunderstorms and torrential rain could produce flash flooding if they sit over one area overwhelming small creeks and streams.
Several days of heavy rain will eventually lead to a risk of flooding in larger streams and rivers.
The National Weather Service also reminds motorists to “turn around, don’t drown.” More deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard.