Flash Flood Warning issued in Western Pennsylvania due to dangerous ice jams
By Brian Hutton Jr.
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PITTSBURGH (WTAE) — A flash flood warning has been issued as officials continue to monitor a flood watch in multiple counties.
Flash Flood Warning due to an ice jam break has been issued for southern Venango County, northwestern Armstrong County, northeastern Butler County and western Clarion County until 4 p.m.
Officials with the National Weather Service say an ice jam broke on the Allegheny River at Emlenton and is causing flash flooding downstream.
A flood watch has also been issued through 9 a.m. Saturday for Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Forest, Jefferson and Venango counties.
Rainfall totals from rain Thursday into Friday will be between one half to one inch.
The rain, coupled with rivers and streams that still have ice jam concerns, could cause flooding where ice jams do happen on area waterways.
Flooding can occur at and upstream of ice jams due to water not being able to move down river. Once the ice jam melts or breaks free, flash flooding can occur downstream as the piled-up water rushes down river.
Click here for your full forecast from Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 meteorologist.
If you live near a river or stream that still has ice on it, you should monitor your waterway through Friday afternoon for the potential for ice jams and then flooding.
Be aware that even if where you live is ice free, any ice upstream could cause flash flooding downstream if the ice jam gives way all at once.
Ice issues may redevelop this weekend and into next week as temperatures drop back to and below freezing, especially if ice is still present on waterways.
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