Pennsylvania Flooding Closes Hersheypark, Prompts Water Rescues

With heavy rainstorms in recent days, severe flooding hit communities across Pennsylvania. Roads, bridges, and towns were swamped, and fast-moving water ripped out dumpsters, kegs, other large pieces of debris, and even trees.

In Chester County, some of the most severe flooding was in the Coatesville area. Many cars were stranded and abandoned overnight.

At Whip Tavern in West Marlborough, several people were trapped in the parking lot, and ultimately had to be rescued by small boats.

Meanwhile further out in Pennsylvania, Hersheypark was shut down for several days as Spring Creek, which runs through the heart of the park, swelled significantly.

Things were bad over a Knoebels Amusement Park, too.

Several people also had to be rescued out in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County. This incredible video was taken by a U.S. Army soldier whose car was nearly completely submerged by flooding. He was able to take refuge on the roof of his car as water several feet deep streamed down the street.

The flooding did not impact only humans. Nearby, a groundhog was spotted climbing to the stop of a fence to take refuge from the storm.

Over at Rickets Glen State Park, Adams Falls looked especially foreboding.

Eerie footage of Swatara Creek in Hershey showed traffic carefully moving by a massive field covered in floodwater. The floodwaters were lapping at the edge of the road, just feet away from the passing vehicles.

In Hummelstown, Dauphin County, bridges were completely submerged by the rising water.

Powerful roiling water rushed through Tremont, Schuylkill County.

Image via Chester County Department of Emergency Services