Warminster Declares Emergency, Asks Residents To Shelter In Place

WARMINSTER, PA — Like much of Bucks County, Warminster is under a flood warning until Friday morning after the remnants of Hurricane Ida blew through Pennsylvania. On Thursday afternoon, township officials said they were declaring an emergency in dealing with the storm's aftermath.

While Patch could not immediately reach public officials to confirm the meaning of an emergency declaration for Warminster in this instance, typically declaring an emergency frees up available government agencies and resources to be used as needed to cope with a disaster.

"Emergency managements measures are required and will be taken to deal with the aftermath of this storm," officials wrote on Thursday.

Floodwaters were high on several Warminster roads on Wednesday night, including Roberts Road, Willow Drive, Decker Lane, and Newtown Road among others, according to resident reports.

The Warminster Municipal Authority asked for help from the public on Thursday in clearing the township's more than 2,300 storm drains.

"We ask if you can lend a helping hand and if you can clear a storm inlet SAFELY we appreciate the help!" officials said, calling recovery from Ida's aftermath a team effort.

Several home remodeling companies offered their services online for residents who might be dealing with damage.

A confirmed magnitude EF-2 tornado moved from Fort Washington and Upper Dublin to nearby Horsham on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said Thursday. The NWS is continuing to evaluate storms in the area on Thursday.

SEPTA said service is suspended between its Willow Grove and Warminster stations for the remainder of Thursday.

"I bet trash won't be a topic tonight!" one resident wrote online.

Bucks County closed all government buildings Thursday after the extreme weather. Much of the county was hit hard by flooding, including Doylestown, Upper Makefield, Bensalem, Yardley, and New Hope — and neighboring Lambertville.

For towns in the Delaware River basin, flooding is still possible Thursday night as tides surge. Water levels are expected to crest Thursday night and Friday morning.

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Got tips, story ideas, or questions in Lower Bucks County? Email kate.fishman@patch.com.