Ice Jams Causing Flooding Problems In Armstrong County
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The fast-changing weather conditions is causing problems in many parts of the area, including heavy ice jams and flooding concerns.
Residents who live along the Allegheny River in Armstrong County are dealing with flooding.
That's because ice along the river is jamming, and is so heavy it's even coming up into yards.
You know it's cold when... the Allegheny River is a pile of ice chunks. This is the ice jam on the river in Armstrong Co. #KDKA #livewithlisa #icy pic.twitter.com/b9cQutGq4o
— Lisa Washington (@LisaWashing) February 8, 2019
It's happening along Rimerton Road in the Village of Rimer. The road has been closed to traffic.
There is a small portion of the river that is actually flowing, but the problem is that the creek that flows into the river is backed up because of the ice jams and that's creating the flooding problems.
Clarence Zacherl, lives in Indiana County, but has a camp along the river in Armstrong County that he and his family visit often.
Zacherl says he was surprised to see all the damage from the flooding.
"I've had a camp here since '84, 30-something years. This is the worst," he said of the scope of the jam and flooding. "Last year, 2018 it was bad too, but not this bad."
The people who live here say the ice jams began to break free Thursday, but clogged up again overnight.
Zacherl says he'll be getting to work on clean-up and repairs.
"Fix it back up, pick up the pieces and move on," he said. "It's fun down here in the summer."
KDKA's Meghan Schiller Reports:
Meanwhile, flash flooding forced the closure of some roads across the region.
In Greene County, flooding closed Muddy Creek Road. Cars had to turn around and go a different way.
#NEW: We just arrived at Muddy Creek Road off of East Roy Furman Highway in Greene County. Cars are turning around to go another way @KDKA pic.twitter.com/iMTPuQPadL
— MEGHAN SCHILLER (@MeghanKDKA) February 8, 2019
Flooding was also reported in parts of Fayette County overnight. The water was rising quickly at the Brownsville Riverside Wharf Park, but it has since receded.
The water receded since we last stopped by this spot in #Brownsville at 5. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/UmCFj1S3dy
— MEGHAN SCHILLER (@MeghanKDKA) February 8, 2019
Back in Pittsburgh, the Public Works Department has closed the North Shore and Point State Park Riverwalks due to high waters. Also, PennDOT has shut down the 10th Street Bypass and the Pittsburgh Public Parking Authority has closed the Mon Wharf.
There's a bit more water than needed at #Pittsburgh's Water Steps this morning. @CityPGH's North Shore & Point State Park riverwalks are closed this morning due to flooding. Please obey all posted barricades. pic.twitter.com/DhYs7ylrGu
— Pittsburgh Public Works (@PGHDPW) February 8, 2019
The strong winds pulled down power lines along Route 56 in Indiana County, which forced the United School District to cancel classes.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
