Yardley Weathers Storm With Minimal Damage

YARDLEY, PA —As flash flooding drenched its neighbors, the borough was spared the brunt of Saturday's fast-moving storm, officials said.

Borough officials were out surveying the damage Sunday after the region was hit with about 6 inches of rain Saturday afternoon that brought flash flooding to Lower Makefield Township and left at least five people dead in Upper Makefield Township who were caught in the raging floodwaters.

Police Chief Joseph Kelly III told Patch that the borough "fared well" following the storm.

"We had no power loss and no downed trees," Kelly said. "There was minimal damage."

Kelly said that emergency management, police, and borough officials were on the scene from the start of the storm.

Councilman David Appelbaum toured the borough and took pictures of some of the flooding.

"I’m out surveying our community for any damage, or residents in need of help," he said. "The rains brought devastation and death to our some of our neighboring communities. As for Yardley, we skirted much damage due to the fast thinking of our emergency management team and the Yardley Borough Police Department."

Appelbaum said that the borough's River Marr section had drains cleared to protect homes from flood dangers.

An American Red Cross center was also set up at the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company station on 105 S. Main St. so Bucks County Emergency Management could bring people from Upper and Lower Makefield townships who needed assistance or support.

Wes Foraker, the borough's emergency management coordinator, said that a section of Morgan Avenue was covered with water. He also said the canal was drained in the borough to prevent overflowing.

Mayor Chris Harding said that Yardley emergency personnel were working and communicating with neighboring municipalities to offer assistance.

(Photos Courtesy of David Appelbaum)