Additional rainfall in forecast
While farmers pray for a break from the rain, just long enough to sow fields or cut hay, the upcoming weather forecast indicates they might want to consider building an ark instead.
“We're seeing water in places we've never seen before,” said meteorologist Fred McCullen with the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh. “The streams can only handle about one inch more of rain.”
And, unfortunately, McCullen said that extra inch could come as early as Thursday afternoon when the region is expected to see upwards of 1.25 inches of rain. He said the additional rainfall could lead to streams jumping their banks and he warns people living near creeks to keep a close eye on water levels.
More importantly, he warned motorists to play it safe and steer clear of flooded roadways.
McCullen said part of the issue is that the surrounding region is experiencing high pressure weather systems, which bring drier weather. However, those high pressure systems are around our region and not over it, and the low pressure we're experiencing leads to increased precipitation.
“I'm sure there are some kayakers on (Slippery Rock Creek), but I would advise against it,” said Dustin Drew, park manager for both Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks. “It can certainly be done, but it would take a very high skill level with the water this high. You just don't know what's underneath the water.”
Drew noted that the water level of Lake Arthur is higher than usual by about 1.5 inches, adding that the lake actually functions as a flood valve of sorts.
The heavy rains are also keeping road crews busier than usual, according to Mike Mattis, PennDOT maintenance manager for Butler County. He said crews are still trying to play catch-up from the floods at the end of May in terms of road repairs, but the constant rain is actually setting them back as new emergencies arise.
On Tuesday afternoon, for example, crews dealt with road closures due to flooding on Route 38 and Yellow Creek Road. Route 38 remained impassable later that evening.
“It's very difficult,” Mattis said. “We're still fixing issues from back in May.”
Mattis said the ongoing rains and increasing road issues force crews to assess situations and address the most serious and dangerous road issues — such as road slippage near a dropoff point — ahead of other issues that might not be deemed as serious. He added that damage from the May storms was concentrated in the southern part of the county, while the most recent weather system impacted the north — further complicating plans to spread road crews throughout the county.
He said damage is forcing PennDOT to delay scheduled summer maintenance projects and road repairs.
“This summer has definitely been very, very challenging for us,” Mattis said.
