Flood Watch: Rains Carry Significant Flooding Potential

 

The Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the possibility of flooding in the Philadelphia area this Thursday and Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, two to four inches of rain is currently expected in the Philadelphia region with higher amounts possible. Light rain is expected to begin Wednesday evening (3/9), becoming heavy Thursday morning (3/10) then lasting into Friday morning (3/11). The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire Delaware Valley based on this forecast.

This rainfall may cause flash flooding of low lying areas, streams, creeks and moderate flooding on the Schuylkill River.

A Coastal Flood Watch is also in effect for the Delaware River from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Friday morning. A nearly three (3) foot surge is forecast near the time of the high tide late Thursday night and early Friday, which would result in moderate flooding.

Philadelphia has several flood prone areas, including but not limited to:

• Cobbs Creek and the marsh lands in the southwest sector of the City;
• Portions of the Philadelphia Naval Base;
• Delaware River which is usually first observed along Delaware Ave & Ben Franklin Bridge;
• In the Northeast where Linden Avenue meets the Delaware;
• Main Street Manayunk;
• Kelly and Lincoln Drives;
• City brooks, creeks & streams to include the Pennypack, Poquessing and Cobbs Creeks, as well as Tacony, Frankford, and Wissahickon Creeks.

Flooding may involve numerous hazardous conditions, including moving water, washed-out roads, damage to utility systems, and damage to structures.

Residents and businesses in low lying areas with a history of flooding during storms should prepare immediately. Be prepared to evacuate if needed, and if an evacuation order is given, leave as quickly as possible for your own safety.

It is strongly recommended that Philadelphians living in flood prone areas make alternative arrangements to stay with family or friends whose homes are not prone to flooding for the course of this event and until the flooding threat subsides.

If you are driving and encounter flood waters or standing water, do not attempt to drive your vehicle through the water. Try to find an alternate route or wait until the water recedes.

Before flooding occurs, the Office of Emergency Management recommends the following preparation tips:

• Sign up for ReadyNotifyPA, the region’s emergency text and email alert system at www.phila.gov/ready. Future updates on flooding will be sent to the Weather Warnings groups and the River - Schuylkill at Philadelphia groups.
• Monitor National Weather Service forecasts at http://weather.gov/phi.   
• Know your area's flood risk. To estimate your flood risk and flood insurance premium, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
• Consider getting flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner's policy. Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables.
• Fill out a Family Emergency Plan containing important emergency information and contacts for you and your family. A template can be found at www.phila.gov/ready.  
• If you live in a flood-susceptible area, keep materials, such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect your home.
• Listen to local news for critical updates.

If your home is susceptible to basement flooding you should:

• If possible, seal any floor drains in your basement, as they are the lowest points of entry of sewer backup.
• Do not store anything of value in your basement. If you have time before the next heavy rainfall, relocate your valuables prior to flooding.
• To prevent sewer blockages never pour grease, paint or other thick liquids into sinks or drains. Avoid flushing items that are not suitable for sanitary sewer disposal such as paper towels, diaper wipes, contraceptive and feminine products.
• Verify with your insurance company if you have flood and sewer backup coverage, especially if your basement is finished. This will usually require a separate rider to your policy.
• Never enter a flooded basement – the risk of electrocution is present. Wait for the water to subside.

For information about Flood Insurance or further Flood Preparation Tips, visit the Floods page of the Office of Emergency Management’s web site or download the Flood Fact Sheet.  

When you change your clocks this weekend, remember to check your stock of emergency supply items in your household emergency kits and “Go Bags” to make sure your supplies of water, food, and batteries have not reach their expiration dates. For a complete list of emergency supplies, visit www.phila.gov/ready.