Watch CBS News

State Of Emergency Declared In O'Hara Township Due To Flooding

O'HARA TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Officials in O'Hara Township say they are declaring a State of Emergency due to today's severe flash flooding.

A Flash Flood Warning was issued for much of Allegheny County due to the heavy rain that began falling early Thursday morning.

There are numerous reports of flash flooding all across the area. One of the worst hit places is O'Hara Township.

"When you get that much water, there are only so many places it can go," said Julie Jakubec, O'Hara Township's manager.

When the first wave of flood waters hit O'Hara Township Thursday morning, Kittanning Pike was hit hard.

Resident Betsy Summer tried to save her car in the flood waters but was forced to hang on to another car as flood waters rushed below her.

She was rescued by firefighters, who she called "angels from heaven."

"I would have bounced right on down the street, toward the river," Summers said. "I would have been pummeled by the debris."

PennDot reopened Freeport Road late Thursday night after crews there closed Freeport Road between Lewis Avenue and Powers Run Road earlier in the day.

Viewer Claudia Smith sent in videos of how the flooding impacted two roads in Allegheny County.

WATCH: Railroad Street flooding

Watch: Flooding on Larimer Avenue

Also, video shows a river of muddy water coming down Calmwood Road.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.