The York County Commissioners on Wednesday approved a Declaration of Disaster Emergency for the county.
The declaration authorizes county officials to take immediate action to address ongoing emergency conditions related to the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee. For example, it allows the county to acquire rental equipment and enter into contracts without the normal approval process. The goal is to allow county officials the ability to act quickly to address needs throughout the county.
Heavy rains have led to the evacuation of numerous residential homes, including homes in two mobile home parks. The rain has also caused widespread road flooding throughout the county; dozens of roads have been impacted.
The York-Adams Chapter of the American Red Cross has opened a shelter in York County available to residents unable to reach or remain in their homes. The shelter is located at the Manchester Township Municipal Building, 3200 Farmtrail Road in Manchester Township.
In addition to York County, several municipalities have also issued declarations of disaster emergency. These municipalities are: Spring Grove and Wrightsville boroughs, and the townships of Fairview, Lower Windsor, Hellam, Paradise, Dover and Jackson. With heavy rains expected to continue, the county commissioners advised residents to:
- Monitor local news outlets and/or a weather radio for vital weather-related information.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding, including dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do NOT attempt to cross flowing streams.
- Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
- Be very cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
View community photos of central PA flooding submitted on our Facebook page. If you'd like your flooding photos to be included in this album, simply upload them to our Facebook page.
