The remnants of Tropical Depression Ida have prompted Governor Tom Wolf to sign a disaster emergency proclamation in anticipation of significant rainfall, widespread flooding and possible tornadoes across the state.
“This dangerous storm continues to have devastating impacts across the South and as it heads toward Pennsylvania, we are expecting significant rainfall across the state. This proclamation will allow for our emergency preparedness teams to provide any support needed throughout the storm and its aftermath,” Gov. Wolf said.
The Governor also asked residents to monitor weather conditions. “I urge Pennsylvanians to monitor local weather and traffic conditions before making any plans and prepare for potential flooding.”
According to the Official Pennsylvania Government website, the heaviest rainfall is expected Wednesday into Wednesday night.
Much of Pennsylvania is going to see 3-6 inches of rain today, with up to 8 inches possible locally.
I’ve signed a proclamation of disaster emergency to allow our emergency preparedness teams to provide any support needed during the storm and its aftermath.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) September 1, 2021
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) has been tracking Ida since before it made landfall along the Gulf coast.
Excessive rainfall associated with Ida combined with pre-saturated conditions will likely result in considerable flash, urban, and river flooding impacts Wednesday into Thursday in parts of south-central Pennsylvania.
Widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches are expected across south-central Pennsylvania with locally higher amounts up to 7 inches possible.
Ida remnants could also cause that several streams and creeks reach minor to moderate flood levels in the Juniata and Lower Main Stem Susquehanna basins. A few points could crest above major flood stage on Thursday.
Tornado threat
An isolated damaging wind gust or weak/brief tornado threat remains limited and confined to extreme southeast Pennsylvania.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) warns motorists not to drive across roads covered with water because even shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway.
Anyone planning to travel should closely monitor weather conditions along travel routes. Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts and traffic speed information.