Forecasters downplay flood threat
Although many people are keeping an eye on local rivers and streams amid concerns about potential flooding after this weekend’s snowstorm, a National Weather Service meteorologist said there is no immediate threat. “So far, nothing indicates the rivers will flood,” meteorologist Ray Visneski said Tuesday. “When there is a threat, if there is a threat, the National Weather Service will issue an official warning.”
Noting that the media tend to make the situation appear worse than it is, Visneski said, “We will issue a warning 24 hours in advance if we see anything that indicates there will be a flood.”
The weather service is predicting rain Friday and Saturday, but Visneski said it should not be a significant amount.
“There is no immediate danger of flooding this weekend. The only threat I see might occur toward the middle of next week, and that’s only if this area gets hit by the storm,” he said.
After a large amount of snowfall, flooding occasionally will occur when the temperature warms and significant rain falls, he said.
In the coming week, Visneski said, temperatures will not be above freezing long enough for a considerable amount of snow to melt.
However, some local people are still concerned about potential flooding.
“We always worry about flooding in Point Marion,” said Shaffer, “ever since the flood in ’85.”
Shaffer said he does not think another flood as bad as the one that occurred in 1985 will happen anytime soon.
“There doesn’t seem to be as much ice on the river,” he said. “I hope we don’t get flooded at all, but if we do it will probably only affect the houses that are within a couple blocks of the river.”
Jeff Marshall, director of Greene County Emergency Management Agency, said the agency is monitoring the water level of rivers and streams.
“As of right now, we’re still dealing with snow,” said Marshall. “We’re keeping an eye out, but nothing has flooded yet.”
Marshall said Greene County is less affected by flooding, because many people did not rebuild in the flood zone after 1985.
“It takes a lot of water for many of our structures to flood,” he said. “In the past, we’ve been 3 to 4 feet over flood stage and have had very little damage done.”
Drawing from past experience and in light of the weekend’s storm, Marshall said he believes the area will see some flooding.
“It appears there could be some flooding,” he said. “Having this much snow, and the rain that’s predicted, means something will probably happen.”
As of right now, Marshall said the streams are moving and are not blocked with ice. Streams tend to back up when the river floods, because the water has no place to go, he said.
Marshall said people who live close to a river should not panic but should be aware of the water level.
“Just be vigilant,” he said. “Move your valuables to upper floors if the water starts to rise.”
California Mayor Gerald Gardner hopes residents won’t have to move their valuables.
“We’re still plowing snow and are not prepared for a flood,” said Gardner. “We’re praying there won’t be one.”
Gardner said the river is not high, and the borough would be fine if the area does not receive a large amount of rainfall.
“If all we have is snow runoff, we’ll be OK,” he said.
Gardner said it is normal for people who were once affected by a flood to worry.
“The last time the borough flooded, everybody on First and Second streets were affected. Cars were submersed in water,” he said.
Gardner said he wants to put plans together with the emergency management coordinator in order to prepare for potential emergencies, including flooding.
“I want to be prepared, no matter what the situation,” said Gardner.
Roy Shipley, Fayette County Emergency Management Agency director, said people can only prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
“If we have a lot of fast, heavy rain throughout Fayette County, we’re going to have problems,” said Shipley.
However, Shipley said no flooding had been reported as of Tuesday.
“We’re watching the weather forecast and are keeping tabs on the river water levels,” said Shipley, adding that his main concern is the Monongahela River.
The people who live in flood zones know to keep an eye on the river, and usually know what to do if the water starts rising, Shipley said.
Shipley said the agency would notify people if and when flooding becomes a potential threat.
“It’s a game of wait and see,” he said.