County emergency service personnel monitor flood conditions; encourage motorists to exercise caution
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LOCK HAVEN -- The Clinton County Department of Emergency Services is closely monitoring multiple areas throughout the county as rain continues to fall in our region.
According to Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Kemmerer, the department is currently monitoring Beech Creek and Mill Hall when the rain first began.
"The area along (state Route) 150, Lusk Run and around Country Club Lane are known for water issues in Bald Eagle Township and Mill Hall," Kemmerer noted. "In Beech Creek -- Marsh Creek overflows onto the road with high water."
Kemmerer said, as of 8:15 a.m., water was covering Marsh Creek Road and the Centre County division of PennDOT was placing barricades in the area.
"I'm sure there will be more as the day goes on," he said.
In the City of Lock Haven, public works staff do not need to begin preparations to close its flood gates along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River until the river crests at 22 feet -- specifically near the William T. Piper Memorial Airport.
"At 22 feet we would prepare to close the gates at the far east end (near the airport)," City Manager Gregory Wilson said. "We have prepared to close them twice since I have been here but fortunately have never actually had to close them."
At this time, the river is expected to crest at approximately 20.7 feet.
Kemmerer said in events of heavy rain like today's, he tasks municipal emergency management coordinators to keep "eyes on" areas in their municipalities that are prone to flood issues.
Some of those areas that are closely watched include tributaries from Bald Eagle Creek and Fishing Creek.
"We know smaller tributaries will become problematic as the river and Bald Eagle and Fishing creeks become swollen," he said.
Kemmerer said his team continues to keep a close on the National Weather Service as rain levels rise and conditions change.
"We constantly monitor the National Weather Service informational platforms to look at stream/river gages that are monitored remotely, as well as the current forecast," he said. "We also utilize a chat room service with the National Weather Service through the Slack app."
As usual, Kemmerer encourages motorists to exercise caution in these conditions.
"For drivers, the mantra of not driving through standing water and 'turn around, don't down' is always appropriate," he said. "Additionally drivers need to slow down to avoid hydroplaning in water runoff on the sides of the roadways and be alert for rocks, trees and debris. Always keep your headlights on and be seen in this weather, it's the law."