Estimated 100-year-flood swamps Bucks, Burlington counties: So what does it mean?
PHILADELPHIA - Parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey on Tuesday were facing another round of rain one day after they were swamped by a series of storms that the National Weather Service said caused a rare flash flood emergency.
According to forecasters, Monday's storms dumped 6 to 10 inches of rain in just 3 to 4 hours, swelling the Delaware River in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Burlington County, New Jersey.
"Widespread and life-threatening flash flooding is occurring. This is an extremely dangerous situation," the weather service said. "Do not venture out unless it is an emergency or to move to higher ground."
The weather service estimated it to be a 100-year flood, meaning each year there is about a 1% chance of seeing this much rain.
Below is a look at some of the areas that saw the most rainfall on Monday:
- Croydon, PA - 10.68 inches
- Croydon, PA - 9.77 inches
- Bristol, PA - 8.67 inches
- Florence, NJ - 7.33 inches
- Delanco, NJ - 5.50 inches
- NE Philadelphia Airport - 3.99 inches
The rush of water trapped people in their cars and homes.
"Widespread and life-threatening flash flooding is occurring. This is an extremely dangerous situation," the weather service said. "Do not venture out unless it is an emergency or to move to higher ground."
MORE: Torrential rain prompts flash flooding, stranding people across Bucks County
Residents of the Lafayette Gardens Condominiums in Bensalem were told to put on life jackets as rescue crews ferried them to safety in rafts.
Croydon, Pennsylvania was the hardest hit by Monday's storms, as more than 10 inches of rain fell in some areas.
Crews in Croydon also used boats to rescue residents along Spencer Drive and Stephen Avenue.
Kathy Orr spoke with a Croydon resident who lost everything.
A disaster emergency was declared in Bristol Township, and the Red Cross set up shelters for displaced residents. Those displaced residents include a total of 56 from Bucks County.
The Red Cross announced Tuesday that anyone who was displaced by flooding in Bucks County and still needs shelter tonight should head to the community resource center now open at the Maltese Room next to the Cornwells Fire Company, 2049 Bristol Pike in Bensalem. It will be open through 5 p.m. If you can’t make it and you have not spoken to the Red Cross, please call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Additionally, Bensalem police say if your car was towed, contact their department at 215-633-3719. If you have property damage, you can contact Keri Schiavo at the Bensalem Police Department using 215-633-3741, and leave a message if no one answers.
There were no reports of injuries during the flooding.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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