‘100-year flood’ hits Bucks, Burlington Counties with more rain possible Tuesday

Bucks and Burlington counties on Monday experienced a “100-year flood” event after some areas receiving from 6 to 10 inches of rain causing flash flooding in communities near the Delaware River, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly said.

From late afternoon to early evening, the weather service issued flash-flood emergency declarations that began in Bucks and Burlington Counties as well as Northeast Philadelphia. The affected areas were soon extended to Center City and South Philadelphia and Camden County, and then to the eastern half of Delaware County.

More rain is expected Tuesday, with a 40% chance of showers and more isolated thunderstorms this afternoon and evening “with strong winds and locally heavy rain,” the service said Tuesday morning.

Croyden in Bucks County was the hardest hit area of the region, receiving 10.28 inches of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. Florence Township in Burlington County received 7.63 inches of rain, while about 2.3 inches fell in Philadelphia.

“A significant flash flood occurred Monday afternoon and evening near the Delaware River in Bucks and Burlington Counties. The areas greatest impacted by this event received 6″-10″ of rain in around 3-4 hours. This is estimated to be a 100 year flood,” the weather service said in a tweet posted at 9:50 p.m.

There were multiple reports of water rescues, particularly in Lower Bucks, that continued into the late night, but no reports of deaths or serious injuries.

“Numerous Marine Units from throughout Bucks County are on in Bensalem or en route to assist numerous water / marine rescues. Please stay home and off the roadways!!” Bensalem Township Fire Rescue tweeted at 7:33 p.m.

The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania said it was assisting an evacuation center in Bensalem where about two dozen residents were relocated. The organization said it also was helping 10 residents who were evacuated in Croyden to a local fire station.

When the rains first began to sweep into the region, the weather service warned: “Widespread and life threatening flash flooding is occurring. This is an extremely dangerous situation, do not venture out unless it is an emergency or to move to higher ground.”

Philadelphia police reported receiving reports of heavy flooding and cars getting stuck in high water along Woodhaven Road. Police later announced that Woodhaven Road had been shut down to traffic in both directions. The highway was reopened around 8 p.m.

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management at 8:50 p.m. issued a flood warning for small streams and low-lying areas until 8 a.m. Tuesday.

“Do not drive through flooded roads,” the agency cautioned.