Pennsylvania Flooding

[late8]

I've been watching the news today and saw the heartbreaking stories of flooding occuring in central PA. I know there's DrumChat members who are from the area (Marko138, Atomcorr2) and I hope all of those affected are safe. From what I've read, city workers in Harrisburg are sandbagging the Governor's mansion and are anticipating rising waters. My prayers and thoughts go out to all in the immediate area.

[Russ]

This is terrible.. Never underestimate floods, if you suspect a big one is headed your way I hope you guys take the proper safety measures. I hope you all make it through ok..

[drummer]

I think most people do underestimate them. They appear, at first glance, relatively harmless... but they can do massive destruction. And they're dangerous. If a line falls in the water, you can get electrocuted in seconds.

I've been in a flood with 4 feet high water in my house. It's not fun.

[defcon235]

There's still some flooding happening here in NY too, but nothing like what PA is getting. I hope all you guys stay safe. Please keep us updated.

[late8]

I think most people do underestimate them. They appear, at first glance, relatively harmless... but they can do massive destruction. And they're dangerous. If a line falls in the water, you can get electrocuted in seconds.

I've been in a flood with 4 feet high water in my house. It's not fun.

My biggest fear.....flooding.

[marko138]

Thanks for your concern, Rich. I'm fine. But much of this area is not. They are comparing this flood to Hurricane Agnes of 1972.

I've shop vac'd 95 gallons of water out of my basement. Nothing was damaged. Many of my friends have not been so lucky.

The old news photog in me couldn't resist going out and taking pics today. (We were off work.)

The river is predicted to crest tomorrow night around 29 feet. Flood stage is 17' and the level is normally around 3 feet. So that gives you an idea of whats going on here.

[slinglander]

my band was scheduled to play at the gov's mansion for part of the gallery walk Sunday!
We weren't sure we could even get out of our Pa towns, much less up the hi-way to Harrisburg safely.
I sympathize, Marco. Floods suck!

[marko138]

my band was scheduled to play at the gov's mansion for part of the gallery walk Sunday!
We weren't sure we could even get out of our Pa towns, much less up the hi-way to Harrisburg safely.
I sympathize, Marco. Floods suck!

Wow. I'm sure you saw on the news that they evacuated the Mansion.

I'm uploading some pictures I snapped around 130pm this afternoon. At that point the river was at 22' and rising quickly.

I've taken in a refugee. My friend Amy lives on Front St in Harrisburg. She was supposed to move to South Carolina tomorrow but the flooding has postponed that. She lost power around 5pm. So she's staying with us for a couple days.

[marko138]

My internet is wildly slow tonight so I've only got these 4 right now.

But this is the Harvey Taylor bridge going across the Susquehanna River. You can see the bridge is close to getting covered.



This is looking toward the city. You can see the capitol dome on the left over the trees:


This is looking toward the village of West Fairview where the creek meets the river.


And finally, the center of this pic is Front Street in West Fairview. To the right where the trees are...that's a boat launch.

[marko138]

This doesn't help much but you can see how low the river is normally compared to the Harvey Taylor bridge on the left:

[slinglander]

Marko, stay safe and dry! At least you still have electricity!

[late8]

Marko- Glad your safe. Great pics! I know you are captiol staff. How safe is the captiol building? Sacramento's captiol building would flood if our downtown levees gave way. Good Luck and keep checking in if you can. I know I'm miles away bro but let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

Slinglander- Thanks for checking in. Didn't realize you are from Hanover. Hope all is well.

Edit:



Here's a pic of the bridge I found from the upgrade bridge project. You can really see how high the river is.

[Riouel]

good luck guys
i was flood by irene
all my basement is scrap
so i know what you feel

[Spiderjig]

Hey Marko, pics are incredible, all is good for me, the sump pump has been running continuosly, I'm far enough from the Delaware that it won't effect me. But I know alot of people who suffered substantial loses. Stay dry, stay safe, I think we're almost done with the rain.

[gonefishin]

Im close to Phila and my area always floods but I am lucky not to suffer any damage from the water.

I live in the woods with a lot of trees being about 16" in diameter and have been waiting for some trees to come down but have lucked out so far.

[marko138]

Glad everyone is ok. Right now the river is at 24.7 feet and falling, but it is expected to rise again this afternoon. Like I said, I'll be fine. It would take literally biblical type flooding for the river to affect me. The rain is over here and the basement is drying.

Now, I can look forward to the band's show tonight.

Here are a few more pics I took yesterday. The river is currently about 3 feet higher than when I took these.

[marko138]

Couple more.

[DamageDrummer]

totally amazing pictures marko. im glad to see that most everyone is ok.

i see some stuff floating in those floodwaters that i thought i lost years ago.
theres that flip flop!

[Bish]

Nice photos, bad situation.

[marko138]

The river actually crested 4 feet lower than expected. It topped out at about 25 feet. 29 feet would have been drastically worse. But there are still lots of people who have a lot of work to do to rebuild their homes and their lives.

Current lever is about 11 feet...6 feet below flood stage and falling. It's wild to see the mud line so high up on the trees along the river. I might take a few more pics.

Also, the Swatara creek in Hershey rose so fast they lost 2 bison at the zoo. They drown. Very sad situation for a lot of folks in the area.