Today, Governor Tom Wolf signed a proclamation of disaster emergency for the commonwealth in response to a series of severe rain storms over the past week that caused flash flooding and ensuing damage to homes and businesses throughout much of north and central portions of the state. Governor Wolf has personally toured communities hit hard by the storms in Schuylkill, Bradford and Delaware counties.
PennDOT has implemented a long-term detour on Route 44 in Montour County due to damage from the recent flooding.
PennDOT has implemented a long-term detour on Route 4009 (Millville Road) in Columbia County due to damage from the recent flooding.
The Bloomsburg Police Department is providing notification to all residents who live in the “West End” of Bloomsburg of the potential for Fishing Creek to flood. Fishing Creek can be unpredictable under the heavy rain conditions we have experienced over the last several days.
All residents west of Railroad St. should be preparing to evacuate with short notice. Have personal items ready to go with the possibility of being away for up to 72 hours. Move valuables to a second story if possible. Residents should consider leaving now to reduce the possibility be caught unaware.
Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on Route 15 and Interstates 80 and 180 in the north central region.
Motorists traveling on Interstate 80 are advised that the interstate’s westbound lanes are closed due to a tractor-trailer rollover. The incident occurred at mile 218 just west of the westbound rest area.
Motorists in north central Pennsylvania are advised there are multiple road closures this morning due to flooding or downed trees and utilities.
The following is the 7:00 p.m. list of closures:
Bradford County
Open as of 10:30 AM:
Open as of 7:00 PM:
Columbia County
Open as of 12:00 PM:
Motorists traveling on Interstate 80 are advised the interstate is closed in both directions between Exit 242 (Mainville/Mifflinville) in Columbia County and Exit 256 (Conyngham/Nescopeck) in Luzerne County due to a tractor-trailer crash.
Motorists who travel I-80 in both directions in Montour County are advised that there will be short single lane restrictions between mile markers 215 and 224 due to pavement core patching beginning Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 9 PM through Friday, March 17, 2017 at 6 AM, weather permitting.
Motorists should be alert and drive with caution through the area.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds Pennsylvanians of all ages to stay safe during the winter months, while driving or enjoying many outdoor activities. With variations in temperature and density of snow, outdoor activities and driving can become more dangerous than adults or children realize, leading to injury and even death.
PennDOT District 3 reminds every one of the following safety guidelines:
