Historic Flooding Projected In Schuylkill River, Perkiomen Creek

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — The Schuylkill River could rise to one of its greatest heights in recorded history as the remnants of Hurricane Ida sweep through eastern Pennsylvania Wednesday into Thursday, the National Weather Service says. Several area waterways are projected to more than double their crest, and officials in Montgomery County are warning of life-threatening conditions.

The Schuylkill River is projected to hit 20.8 feet in Norristown by 2 p.m. Thursday, falling within the National Weather Service's most severe "major" flood stage. Minor flooding is 13 feet. Normalcy is around 8 or 9.

Flooding like that not only could cause extensive property damage, but it poses a threat to physical safety.

“While the rain has been relatively light in Montgomery County so far, conditions will rapidly deteriorate throughout the day today as this life-threatening storm approaches our area,” Montgomery County Director of Public Safety Michael O. Vest said in a statement Thursday, as the county made preparations for the storm. “I urge our residents never to drive or walk into floodwaters. You’re putting not only your life at risk, but also the lives of the emergency responders who will have to come rescue you.”

The Schuylkill's all time flood record at Norristown is 25.10 feet, in June 1972. However, it reached historic levels just over one year ago when Tropical Storm Isaias hit, bringing the crest to 20.55 feet. Thursday's flood stage projects to exceed that.

A glance back: Isaias Brings Historic Flooding To Schuylkill River In Norristown

The Schuylkill is not the only local waterway forecasted to rise to historic heights.

Perkiomen Creek at Graterford is projected to reach 17.8 feet, also in the Weather Service's "major" flood stage. The record there is 19.3, set when Isaias struck last summer and inundated creekside communities in Schwenksville, Skippack, Collegeville, and elsewhere.

County officials are working to stay prepared.

The Montgomery County Urban Search and Rescue Team already pre-staged some of their water evacuation personnel and swift water rescue equipment at noon Wednesday.

The county Department of Public Safety activated their Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. Wednesday. The Center will monitor conditions and coordinate first responder response to the incident.

In addition, the county's 9-1-1 call center has additional staffing to handle the anticipated increased call load.

The Hazardous Materials Response Team is also on call to respond to any leaks or chemical releases caused by the storm.