'Major,' 'Moderate' Flooding In Forecast For Delaware River Towns: NWS

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Tornado and flash flood watches have been issued in Bucks County as the remnants of Hurricane Ida — now downgraded to a tropical depression — move through the area. River flooding is a growing concern, as the National Weather Service now forecasts higher water levels than originally predicted.

"Major" flooding is projected for Neshaminy Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River, according to the weather service. The flood stage there is 9 feet; water levels are now expected to reach 20.6 feet at the height of flooding.

The record for Neshaminy Creek's highest water level is 22.8 feet, just 2.2 feet higher than this week's forecast.

For residents, this means widespread flooding in Middletown Township and possible flooding in Croydon and Bristol Township. Some roads may be impassable, according to the NWS forecast.

The Delaware River will also pass flood stage thresholds at checkpoints in Stockton, Washington Crossing, and New Hope, the forecast showed Wednesday afternoon.

At the Delaware River's Stockton checkpoint, the NWS forecasts that water levels will reach 22 feet. That's 4 feet higher than its flood stage and means conditions of "moderate" flooding along several roads.

At Washington Crossing, the river will hit water levels of 18.9 feet early Friday morning according to NWS predictions, putting water levels at 2.9 feet above the flood stage. With water levels that high, flooding can be expected on Lower River Drive in Washington Crossing State Park, Upper Drive near Titusville, River Road in Upper Makefield, and low points on Route 32.

First-floor homes in the area may take on water, according to NWS data on the flood stage.

Water levels at the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge are projected to reach 15.3 feet, which would classify as "moderate" flooding there. This could mean flooding of nearby roads, basements of Lambertville homes, and parking lots and garages of several riverside businesses and condominiums.

Water levels are expected to begin a steady climb Thursday morning, leveling off very early on Friday according to the latest data.

The NWS has also issued a tornado watch in the area until 10 p.m. Wednesday night.

Related: What To Do When You Get Tornado Watch, Warning Alerts In PA

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