Some may celebrate without electricity
Washington would be glad he didn’t try to cross the Delaware this year
For the first time in 68 years, George Washington won’t attempt to cross the Delaware River with his troops to mount a surprise Christmas attack on the Hessians. Add the annual reenactment in Bucks County to the list of things COVID-19 ruined in 2020.
But it’s probably a good thing for the actors who pile into rickety wooden boats each year and reenact the pivotal moment of the Revolutionary War for thousands of spectators. A storm with heavy rain and possible flooding would have made the crossing treacherous.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind
advisory in effect until 7 a.m. Friday in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. A Christmas Eve rainstorm is expected to dump up to 3 inches of rain in the Lehigh Valley overnight, and up to 4 inches in the Poconos, with wind gusts up to 55 mph that could bring down power lines, leading to power outages around the region. PPL is bringing in crews from other parts of the country to help restore service, but warned that customers should be prepared to be without power on Christmas Day.
Rain is expected to continue into Christmas morning and, coupled with melting snow, could cause moderate flooding, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey.
Areas with poor drainage and small streams will be most affected. Delaware River levels will continue to rise after the rain ends Friday, and will reach their highest point in Easton and Riegelsville around midnight. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Friday, which is less severe than a flood warning.
“It’s not looking like a widespread or extremely dangerous flood event at this time,” said John Homenuk, a meteorologist at Empire Weather, which provides localized forecasts for The Morning Call. “There will be some flooding, especially in low-lying urban areas, places with poor drainage. But at the moment, nothing hazardous or extraordinary.”
To the north, officials closed the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area through Saturday in anticipation of rising waters. The river is expected to crest near 18 feet in some areas Saturday morning, below flood level but still dangerous, officials said.
“With the combination of high and frigid water, swift currents, increased debris, and slick banks, this is not the time to try out that new kayak or fishing gear you got for Christmas,” said River District Ranger Michael Macksoud.
“Conditions on and near the river, and around streams, will be extremely hazardous as water levels rise and fall, currents become dangerously fast and debris is carried downstream. For your safety, and the safety of rescue teams, it’s best to observe from a distance,” he added.
Weather has thwarted the Christmas Day crossing in the past, but this year the pandemic is to blame. The Friends of Washington Crossing Park announced the cancellation of the event in October, citing concerns about COVID-related crowd-size restrictions. The annual reenactment often draws more than 10,000 spectators to Washington Crossing Historic Park.
“Because the reenactments require months of planning and coordination among hundreds of reenactors, park staff members, and volunteers, a decision had to be made well in advance. Weareas disappointed as you are that this much-loved annual event cannot be held in the usual manner this year,” reads a message on the park’s website.
History buffs can still enjoy the Christmas tradition virtually, by watching a movie about George Washington’s famous sneak attack on the park’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. The video will include scenes from the crossing reenactment including many “up close and personal” perspectives, according to a news release. The video will premiere at 10 a.m. Christmas morning.