Community Corner

Flood Watch: 1-3 Inches of Rain Likely in Bensalem Thursday

Brace yourself for another very soggy day as a strong low pressure system brings heavy rain to Bensalem Thursday into Thursday night.

Enjoy the sunshine while you can. It won't last long, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for 10 a.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Friday for Bucks County as a strong low pressure system brings us another day of heavy rain.

Expect one to three inches of rain Thursday into Thursday night from showers and thunderstorms. The high will be near 78.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Weather Service says it won't take much rain to produce flooding since creeks and streams are already high from rain we had Monday and last Friday.

Bensalem's Public Works Director Jim Ryan says that the township is stockpiled with emergency generators and sandbags, and he had his crews work on clearing storm drains in anticpation of the impending storm.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We're as ready as we are going to be," said Ryan. "There's only so much you can do."

Ryan will be keeping a close eye on the usual flooding spots, especially along the Neshaminy and Poquessing creeks, but rising water is not his biggest concern for Thursday's storm.

"I'm more concerned about the high winds," said Ryan. "We had four inches of rain on Friday and two more inches on Monday. The ground is soft and wet, which creates the possibility of trees coming down."

County officials are warning residents to be prepared for the possibility of flooding and power outages. "The forecast indicates we can receive significant flash flooding with a small possibility of river flooding," according to information from Bucks County Emergency Management. "Please ensure you are prepared for power outages, clear all storm drains and equipment is ready ready for use."

If you see high water or flooding in your area, tell us in the comments section below and post your photos to this story.

Forecasters expect a significant rise in the Delaware River but it should stay within its banks. The storm system will affect New Jersey, Delaware and northeastern Maryland in addition to eastern Pennsylvania.

The weather should improve Friday with partly sunny skies.

Expect sunny or partly sunny days this weekend with highs around 80.


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