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‘Disaster’ declared in Centre, dozens evacuated Friday

From staff reports

Heavy rains in the Bald Eagle Valley and Milesburg Area caused Centre County officials to declare a disaster area, as more than 100 people were rescued or evacuated Thursday night, and Bald Eagle Area High School used as an emergency shelter.

The Centre County commissioners declared the disaster area after heavy rain caused flooding in the streets and basements.

Some first floors were flooded, and a few residents saw their vehicles get swamped, according to emergency response officials.

More than 100 people from the Milesburg and Howard areas – including residents of the Eagle Valley Personal Care Home in Milesburg – were evacuated Friday morning.

The American Red Cross set up Bald Eagle Area High School in Wingate as a shelter.

Red Cross officials said additional shelters would be opened if needed.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said the area was hit with up to seven inches of rain, though no injuries were reported to authorities.

Area schools cancelled classes Friday, and nearly all sporting events – including Friday night football games — were postponed.

MORE

FLOODING?

Rain and thunderstorms were expected to continue to cause travel delays and raise the risk of isolated flooding in Central Pennsylvania and elsewhere through Friday.

In fact, NWS forecasters warned of more flooding potential should heavy rains come and move slowly over the area Friday night.

NWS projected the West Branch of the Susquehanna River to crest at 16.5 feet at 2 p.m. today — but that could change.

Rainfall and high winds Thursday night were largely be triggered by a non-tropical storm system tapping into warm, humid air ahead of the arrival of much colder air.

Flash, urban and small stream flooding in some communities closed roads and prompted water rescues.

At Bald Eagle High School at Wingate, the Salvation Army was providing coffee and food.

An on-site incident command post was opened at Milesburg Fire Station.

Volunteer emergency responders from various counties responded to the Milesburg area Thursday night and Friday.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) sent staff to Centre County.

State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, thanked state agencies for “providing full resources to residents as a result of … flooding in Centre and Clinton counties.”

Hanna said after having an opportunity to talk to PEMA Director Rick Flinn and Centre Commissioner Mark Higgins, he was able to connect them with Gov. Tom Wolf who authorized release of additional state resources, including additional water rescue backup from the Fish and Boat Commission, as well as resources from the National Guard.

On Friday, Hanna said he visited the Milesburg Fire Co. and the shelter at the school.

“Residents living in the valley area, homes along Routes 220 and 150 in Unionville and Milesburg and Howard boroughs  all experienced severe flooding and were asked to evacuate” early Friday, Hanna said. “Residences and businesses sustained heavy water damage, mostly from the Spring Creek and Bald Eagle Creek, and people may be without flood insurance to cover the costly damages.

Residents in Bald Eagle Township, Clinton County, were told their sanitary sewage system was at capacity due to heavy flooding.

Anyone with damage to their property should report it to their county EMS director so it can be documented and assessed by PEMA.

In Centre County, the number to call is 814-355-6745.

In Clinton County, the number to call is 570-893-4090.

Residents are also encouraged to file claims with their insurance companies regardless of whether they have flood insurance., and may call Hanna’s Milesburg office at 814-353-8780 or Lock Have Office at 570-748-5480 with questions.

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