The City of Reading is preparing for flooding and possible road closures with the heavy rainfall forecasted Wednesday from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.
The National Weather Service ihas issued a Flash Flood Watch for Southeastern Pennsylvania region, including Berks County and the City from Wednesday morning beginning at 8am, through Thursday morning at 11am.
The remnants of Hurricane Ida will pass through the region Wednesday through early Thursday morning. Periods of heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms associated with this low will result in widespread 4 to 6 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts likely exceeding 6 inches by Thursday morning. Combined with wet antecedent conditions, this will lead to numerous instances of flash flooding, some of which may be significant.
“We ask all residents to take necessary precautions and avoid flooded areas as much as possible with an emphasis on not driving through water as it may be deceptively dangerous” said Reading Mayor Eddie Morán.
Morán listed the following areas susceptible to significant flooding: Spring St. Subway, Nichols St., 6th and Greenwich, 6th and Buttonwood, Morgantown Rd. and Lancaster Ave., Morgantown Rd. (Brentwood to Angelica Park), areas along with Wyomissing Creek (including the Reading Public Museum), Riverfront Dr./Canal St. (along the Schuylkill River), Church and Woodward Sts, 500 N. 5th St. and parts of Oley St. Areas along the West Shore and West St. bypasses may also flood depending on rain accumulation.
The Reading Police Department plans to maintain its normal deployment of three shifts. For emergencies only, dial 9-1-1. Non-emergencies should be called into 610-655-6116.
The Reading Fire Department will maintain its minmum manning of two deputy chiefs and 18 firefighters on all shifts along with eight personnel assigned to ambulances. For fire emergencies, call 9-1-1. Non-emergency calls should be made to 610-655-4911. The City’s Emergency Management team is planning to monitor the rainfall and will advise the Administration accordingly.
Morán also added that, as of now, all trash and recycling will continue as scheduled. A separate announcement will be made, if necessary.
