Flooding, Power Outages Anticipated From Storm: Hatboro-Horsham PD

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —With the National Weather Service calling for heavy rains and high winds with Tuesday's storm, Horsham and Hatboro law enforcement and officials are alerting residents to be prepared.

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly said that the region could receive up to 4 inches of rain with the heaviest rainfall expected between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday.

After this past weekend's storm, the National Weather Service said that saturated ground will make rivers and creeks run higher with Tuesday's rainfall, thus causing flooding throughout the region.

Meanwhile, there is a wind advisory for inland areas with winds forecast up to 65 mph in some areas, the weather service said.

At Monday night's Hatboro Council committee meeting, Police Chief James Gardner alerted residents to be prepared.

"Pay attention to this storm," the chief said. "The concern is with the ground already saturated, we'll likely have flooding. The high winds could knock down trees and cause power outages."

The chief said winds could reach 45-55 mph and that a flood watch goes into effect at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Gardner said that the police department and borough are ready.

He said the public works department has been clearing storm drains and that some property owners have been notified regarding potential flooding. He said some residents also may want to move their vehicles to higher elevations so they don't get swept away by flooding.

"We're monitoring this," Gardner said. "We're prepared."

Meanwhile, Horsham Community Police Services said Tuesday that township residents should expect heavy rain and high winds to start in the early afternoon and continue throughout the day.

Horsham ChATs said the storm will likely cause flooding in the usual areas around the township.

Other than the flooding and road closures, residents should expect "the high potential" for power outages, Horsham ChATs said.

Horsham ChATs asks residents to take time to ensure they have the necessary storm preparations in place and to charge their phones and check their flashlights to make sure they have functional batteries.

Horsham Township officials said residents should be prepared for the storm.

They provided some tips:

• Prep for basement flooding.
• Check sump pumps.
• Clear storm drains.
• Charge cell phones.
• Flashlights with batteries.
• Power Out? Don’t call 911. Call PECO at 1-800-841-4141.
• Never drive around barricades…turn around don’t drown.
• Stay home. Stay safe.