Thursday’s rain may cause Saturday’s flood
Heavy rain and thunderstorms made for another gloomy early spring day on Thursday.
Now, all that rain here and upriver could mean flooding in low-lying areas by Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, rainfall varied Thursday with most people seeing anywhere between .75 inches and 1.25 inches in their backyards.
Luzerne County remains under a flood watch until 8 a.m. Saturday, and the National Weather Service expects the Susquehanna River to rise through Friday and into the wee hours of Saturday.
The NWS is predicting a river crest of 22.9 feet around 7 a.m. Saturday, which is slightly lower than predictions from earlier this week.
With flood stage being at 22 feet, those who live in low-lying areas near the river may see some flooding starting Friday night. That’s when the river is projected to hit the 22-foot level.
Areas that traditionally flood when the Susquehanna hits 22 feet include Plainsville in Plains Township, the Plymouth Flats and West Nanticoke in Plymouth Township, and Shickshinny.
The Susquehanna is expected to go back below flood stage sometime between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday.
As for the weekend’s forecast, a small amount of rain is expected today, and the high will be near 44.
Friday night will also bring a chance for showers, along with a chance of snow showers into the overnight hours. Little or no snow accumulation is expected, and the low will be around 32.
Mostly sunny skies will return to the Wyoming Valley on Saturday, though there is a chance of snow showers before 9 a.m. The high will be near 52.
Mostly clear skies are predicted for Saturday night, with a low around 34.
Mostly sunny skies will round out the weekend on Sunday, with a high near 62.
Times Leader staff reports
