2008 News

September 5, 2008

Bucks County Commissioners, Emergency Management Agency Urge Caution in Advance of Tropical Storm Hanna Effects

The Bucks County Commissioners, in cooperation with county Emergency Management Director John Dougherty and municipal management coordinators, are keeping a close eye on this weekend’s predicted severe weather event.

The outer-band remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna are expected to reach Bucks County this evening. According to Dougherty and his staff, Hanna will be a fast-moving storm, with forecasts calling for two to four inches of rain over the next 24-36 hours depending on its path. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch and Tropical Storm Wind Warning for tomorrow afternoon into the evening.

On Thursday, September 4, the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency issued an e-mail to local municipalities advising that they should clean out storm drains and ditches to prevent street flooding. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid standing water or any other signs of standing water that could result from flash flooding.

According to the National Weather Service and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. Dougherty urges residents to heed road signs and law enforcement instructions. 

The Bucks County EMA will be monitoring the storm closely throughout the ensuing hours. Delaware River levels are low, as are those on the Neshaminy Creek. The forecast indicates that the creek may reach the top of the bank and possibly a bit over, but without serious impact.

You can receive timely alerts about weather and other emergencies to your personal digital assistant, e-mail or cell phone. Sign up for www.ReadyNotifyPA.org. For more information about preparing for emergencies, go to Ready Bucks.