Bucks Co. Flash Flood Watch In Effect As Ida Reaches PA

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Delaware River water levels are expected to rise significantly on Wednesday and Thursday, and flash flood watches have been issued in Bucks County as Hurricane Ida's remnants sweep through the region. Neshaminy Creek water levels are expected to rise from under 2 feet to 13.6 feet by Thursday afternoon.

Now a tropical depression, Ida nevertheless brings "extreme" risk of flash flooding and "significant" risk of river flooding in our area, according to the National Weather Service.

At 13.6 feet, Neshaminy Creek near Langhorne can cause flooding on several roadways in Middletown and Bristol Townships. Route 413 is subject to closure when creek water levels reach just 10 feet.

The NWS predicts a Delaware River depth of 18.2 feet at River Road in Lower Makefield by Friday, and a possible depth of 10 feet at the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge — just 2.5 feet below Lambertville's flood zone. Water at the bridge currently stands at 2.7 feet; the Delaware River's levels are expected to begin a steady climb Wednesday evening.

"The several inches of rain we are expecting with Ida's remnants on Wednesday would cause hydro problems in almost any situation," the NWS's Mt. Holly station wrote Tuesday. "These problems will likely be enhanced (particularly over the north) due to the very wet month we have had."

The heaviest rainfall is expected Wednesday afternoon and overnight, according to NWS forecasts.

"If you live near, or drive near any of our creeks, please be extra careful, since this storm most likely will cause the creeks to overflow their banks," the New Hope Eagle Volunteer Fire Company wrote Tuesday.

Fire departments are reminding residents in the region not to drive through standing water, and to avoid roadways near creeks and rivers when possible. Residents should also respect road closure signs, and avoid downed power lines.

Lower Makefield's Chief of Police and Emergency Manager Kenneth Coluzzi urged caution in a briefing on the township's flash flood watch, effective through Thursday afternoon.

"Tornadoes are frequently a concern with tropical systems," he said, advising that the Lower Makefield Emergency Operation Center will be activated on Wednesday at 7 a.m.

Given the forecast in Lower Makefield, Coluzzi said the town is expecting flooding along River Road.

“This storm has left more than a million people without power and caused catastrophic flooding in the south,” Gov. Tom Wolf said to Pennsylvanians. “We’ve seen what this storm can do, and we all need to do everything we can to be ready for whatever it might bring to Pennsylvania.”

Read more about flooding and weather emergencies in our region:

PA Ida Forecast: Heavy Rain, Possible Flooding Expected Wednesday

Wolf Calls On FEMA To Lower Aid Thresholds After Bucks Flooding

EF3 Tornado Confirmed In Bucks Co. Thursday

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