The National Weather Service (web|news) in State College has issued a Flood Watch in preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna.

The Flood Watch for Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill and York counties will be in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.

Hanna is expected to track along the mid Atlantic coast on Saturday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms ahead of the storm
are likely to spread across the Flood Watch area starting as early as this evening, with rain showers and thunderstorms becoming more numerous overnight, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain is expected to continue through the day Saturday and into Sunday Morning.

Rain will likely be heavy at times, especially during the day Saturday as Hanna makes its closest approach to Pennsylvania along the New Jersey coast.

Rainfall amounts of one to three inches are expected with locally heavier amounts possible, according to the National Weather Service.

A Flood Watch means that flooding is possible but not imminent in the watch area.

 

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Flood Preparedness:

 

• Clear storm drains on and around your property to allow water to flow away from your home.
• Remove valuables such as patio furniture and toys from the yard and secure them in a garage or shed.
• Clean out your sump pump pit and then test your pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. Consider having your sump pump on its own circuit.
• Shut off electricity to portions of your home that could flood including basements. If you have appliances in a risk area of your home, turn off electricity to those appliances and leave it off (source: Columbia Gas).
• Shut off the natural gas supply valve to the appliance usually found on the gas line to the appliance (source: Columbia Gas).
• Move hazardous materials such as paint, oil, and cleaning supplies to a higher location.
• Don’t forget to move low lying stored valuables such as photos, videos, and family heirlooms to a higher location.
• If you smell natural gas, leave your home immediately. Do not turn on any lights or use the phone. Call 9-1-1 to report the gas leak after you have left the vicinity.

Flash Flood Safety Tips:

• Remember “Turn Around Don’t Drown”. Never drive through flooded areas, especially at night when it is harder to gauge water depth.
• Avoid downed power lines. Call 9-1-1 to report downed lines.
• As little as two feet of water can sweep away even heavy vehicles like SUVs.
• If your vehicle stalls due to water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and local radio and television stations for the latest statements, watches, and warnings concerning heavy rain and flash flooding.

Source: York County Office of Emergency Management