By Ricardo Lezama An infant, a toddler and an adult are being searched for in the borough of Upper Makefield near Yardley in Bucks County, Pennsylvania after a torrential amount of rain took ahold of the region. According to Upper Makefield Police Department, the flooding impacted both Upper Makefield and Lower Makefield townships leaving four dead in the aftermath as well.
In Yardley, PA, whole backyards collapsed and could be observed as users on social media provided live feeds of their experiences. Their local community support groups relayed the following message:
“Good morning Yardley Borough. I’m out this morning surveying our community for any damage, or residents in need of help. Yesterday rains brought devastation and death to our some of our neighboring communities, especially Upper Makefield. Please keep these neighboring towns and families in your prayers. As for Yardley, we skirted much damage due to the fast thinking of our emergency management team and Yardley Borough police Department. For now, please be aware there have been reports of flash flooding today SO Stay informed, Stay away from known flood zones and roads that easily flood. Stay prepared and Stay Prepared. Please message me if you have questions or need help”.
New Jersey Blockage
Not far away in Princeton, New Jersey, 3.6 inches of rain fell on the small town while a warning from the Police Department there urged residents to stop driving through flooded areas.
Warnings relating to cars driving through flooded have been prevalent in social media. The National Weather Service mentioned that most drivers underestimate how powerful flood currents can be.
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.”