DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — FOX43's Weather Smart Team expects another storm system to pound portions of the region, bringing heavy rains and wind speeds over 40 miles per hour.
This system comes just days after Saturday’s snowstorm.
Local officials from Swatara Township’s Public Work Department are bracing for yet another severe weather event expected to hit Tuesday, Jan. 9, which could bring flooding to some areas.
Todd Webb, Swatara Township’s public works director, says he and his team are prepared to face the storm head-on.
“We’re making sure we doublecheck all our chainsaws, all our PPE equipment, we have dump trucks that are ready to go, loaders that are ready to go in case we've got to go out and remove trees off of roads,” Webb said.
Over the weekend, crews moved snow piles to make space for rain runoff.
“[Tuesday] is the exact reason why we do that, we push everything back to the curb cause that helps keep the inlets open,” Webb noted.
Clogged inlets can create ponding, which can result in flooded intersections on main roads and in neighborhoods.
“As much as we’re cleaning up from the snow, now we have to switch gears and clean up everything to get ready for the rain,” Webb said.
Residents can mitigate flooding in their neighborhoods by performing routine maintenance checks around their homes.
“The biggest thing I would tell people is to make sure your downspouts are clear and make sure the sump pumps in your basement are working,” Webb said.
Webb also encourages people to have an emergency readiness kit in case high winds knock out power.
“We continue to do everything that we normally do to prevent the next disaster from happening or defend as much against it as you can,” Webb said.
Crews are preparing to battle flooding into Wednesday as effects from the storm are expected to be felt hours after the rain stops, primarily around local creeks and streams which are already high from the snow melt this weekend.
People are encouraged to contact emergency services if they observe any downed powerlines during Tuesday’s storm.
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