The remnants of Hurricane Katrina will be leaving its mark
across northwestern Pennsylvania today – but just how large a
bruise is yet to be determined.
On Tuesday, National Weather Service-State College Bureau
meteorologist Paul Head said the storm – bringing with it heavy
rain and the possibility of some high winds – doesn’t look as
menacing as Ivan was last year. In fact, it could be
beneficial.
“Provided there is no localized flash flooding, which is hard to
forecast in advance, we could escape with a beneficial storm which
will bring much-needed rain to the area,” Head said.
According to various weather forecasters, the amount of rain
which could fall on the Bradford and surrounding areas ranges from
an inch to four inches. A flash flood watch in is in effect through
this morning across the region, particularly for small streams and
creeks which have remained dry for most of the summer.
“The dry stream beds could cause some flash flooding,” according
to Head, adding “Since the ground is so hard right now, it will be
hard for any winds to tip over trees.”
When Ivan hit the region last September, numerous locations
across McKean, Cameron, Elk and Potter counties experienced
flooding, blocking off some highways and damaging homes with
several inches of rain.
Ivan came quickly on the heels of Hurricane Frances, which
coated the area with heavy rain and knocked out power.
Locally, Department of Public Works officials aren’t taking any
chances.
In the city, Public Works Director Gary Alcock said crews were
out Tuesday in preparation for the oncoming storm.
“We are looking pretty good right now,” Alcock said. “We have
been cleaning out the storm drains and making sure the creeks are
free of debris.”
Alcock said the city has a backhoe in place near a bridge on
Seaward Avenue, which has traditionally caused headaches with
drenching rain. The creek flows behind residences on Constitution
Avenue, and in the past, has completely flooded the street and
adjacent buildings, including KOA Speer Electronics.
“All the creeks seem pretty dry, but are open for the water to
go through,” Alcock said. “I think we could handle about three
inches of rain the way we are now.”
Alcock said the city’s crews can handle most of what could come
this way, but can also enlist the help of others if needed.
In neighboring Foster Township, road foreman Joe Sweet said that
municipality has performed similar steps in preparation for the
rain.
“We checked out and worked on some of our biggest trouble
spots,” Sweet said, including Lincolndale Road, Bolivar Drive and
Harrisburg Run. “We’ve been prepping Harrisburg Run all week. We
really had some bad spots out there.
“We’re as ready as we’re going to be,” Sweet added.
Elsewhere, several local agencies have offered tips on how to
ride out the storm.
According to the Penn State Cooperative Extension Office in
Smethport, households should have an emergency plan in place,
including for pets and livestock.
Also, when operating a stand-by electric generator, people
should keep the equipment outdoors and away from doors and windows,
in part, because the machines operate by gasoline power and emit
carbon monoxide gas when running.
Meanwhile, the American Red Cross advised people to keep
insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe deposit
box; have a first aid kit on hand; keep canned food and a can
opener nearby, along with at least three gallons of bottled water
per person; have a battery powered radio, flashlight and extra
batteries; and special items for infants and the elderly and
bedding and sleeping bags.
According to the Red Cross, a flood watch means a flood is
possible in that area. If one is issued, move furniture and
valuables to higher floors in the home and fill the car’s gas tank
in case an evacuation notice is issued.
A flood warning means flooding is already occurring or will
occur in that area soon. If one is issued, listen to local radio
and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do
so as soon as possible.
