Bensalem Mayor: 'Residents Should Be On Guard For Flooding'

BENSALEM, PA—Tropical Storm Isaias made landfall overnight and is projected to pass over Bucks County on Tuesday, according to Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo.

The storm will bring high winds and heavy rains to the area, the mayor warned. Much of Bucks County, including Bensalem, is currently under both a flash flood watch and a tornado watch until at least 4 p.m.

Digirolamo said these could become flash flood or tornado warnings as the day progresses and the storm passes over the area. Bensalem residents should be on guard for roadway, creek and small stream flooding Tuesday, as there is the potential for up to six inches of rain to fall in Bensalem during this storm.

Residents who live or travel on roads between Bristol Pike and the Delaware River, especially State Road and Station Avenue, should anticipate roadway flooding as much of that area of the Township drains directly to the Delaware River, and for the duration of the storm the tide on the Delaware River will be rising, reaching high tide at Cornwells Heights around 3:45 Tuesday afternoon.

According to the mayor, the storm drains in that area that empty directly into the river cannot drain properly when the river is at high tide, and roads in that area may be impacted as a result. Other low lying areas throughout the Township may experience flooding as well.

Township Public Works personnel have been clearing storm drains in preparation for the storm to help alleviate roadway flooding issues, and they will be working throughout the storm to respond to storm related issues, township officials said.

The forecasted high winds associated with the storm may cause trees and tree limbs to come down as well as scattered power outages. If this storm remains on its current path, travel throughout the Township may be impacted Tuesday afternoon and evening.

If you don’t have to be on the roads this afternoon or tonight, please help to keep them clear for emergency management and response personnel and equipment, the mayor warned. If you are on the roads, avoid downed power lines. Remember, if you come upon a flooded roadway, “Turn around, don’t drown.”

The mayor recommends that residents monitor weather conditions throughout the day by following local television, radio or other media where you normally get your weather information. He also advises residents to charge their cell phones now so they are available in case of an emergency. As always, if you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1 for help.

Watch the mayor's update on Tropical Storm Isaias for Tuesday, Aug. 4: