Rob McGraw

Slippery Rock borough staff is working with “all hands on deck” Sunday, July 5, as the area faces flash flooding following a storm Sunday afternoon, said Mayor Jondavid Longo.

As of 4:30 p.m., many of the borough’s culverts and waterways were flooded, and Longo said the borough was doing everything it can to alleviate the situation, which he’d declared a “disaster emergency.”

“As a direct result of these severe storms, numerous streets and roadways throughout the borough of Slippery Rock are flooded and impassable, significantly impeding the normal flow of traffic, hindering the ability of emergency response vehicles to reach residents in need, and creating hazardous conditions for motorists, pedestrians, and first responders,” the mayor said in a Sunday social media post.

He then continued, “Floodwaters have entered and inundated many basements in residential homes and commercial buildings throughout the borough, causing substantial property damage, potential contamination from sewage and stormwater, and posing serious risks to public health, safety, and welfare.”

At least a portion of Elm and New Caste streets were closed due to flooding for a period of time.

Butler County Emergency Services dispatch reported a vehicle was stuck in floodwaters on Elm Street around 3:30 p.m.

Shortly before 5 p.m., the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Team issued a warning via their Facebook Page.

“Slippery Rock and the surrounding area are currently experiencing significant flooding. Numerous roads are closed, and conditions are changing rapidly,” the post said. “Even if floodwaters are not covering the roadway, debris, washed-out pavement, damaged shoulders, and downed tree limbs may make travel extremely dangerous.”

Tips included for residents to stay off the road outside of “absolutely necessary” travel; never drive through floodwaters or around road closure barricades; be prepared for changing conditions and additional road closures; and give emergency responders and road crews the space they need to work safely.

“Our crews and our partner agencies are actively responding throughout the area,” the Sunday post from the department said. “We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to keep our community safe.”