Update: Emlenton Fire Department reports flooding due to ice jams

February 20, 2026 Last Updated: February 20, 2026 02:36 PM Local News

Ice in the Allegheny River approaches River Avenue in Emlenton around 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning. Jamie Hunt/Special to the Eagle

Emlenton Fire Department reported just after 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, that water is beginning to rise onto a borough street due to ice jams in Allegheny River.

The Emlenton Fire Department warned Friday morning that water levels rose “significantly” overnight and water is approaching River Avenue in a few locations.

By the early afternoon, an update from the department said water had begun to rise onto parts of the road.

“We are asking that onlookers please avoid the River Avenue area as extra traffic will impede residents’ ability to leave quickly,” a post from the department said.

If residents hear a blast of the town’s fire siren, this indicates rapidly changing conditions and means they should evacuate areas near the river immediately.

People gather in the IGA grocery store parking lot watching the Allegheny River levels, which are close to flooding over the parking area. Jamie Hunt/Special to the Eagle

“Conditions can change rapidly with ice jam flooding. Be prepared to leave flood prone locations a moment’s notice,” another post said.

Locations endangered include any anywhere adjacent to the Allegheny River, River Avenue, Honeysuckle Road and some camps and houses along North Riverview Drive.

“Please keep a close eye on the river and be prepared to leave quickly if necessary,” the department said.