With the temperature forecast to stay below freezing for at least the next week, engineers at the Susquehanna River Basin Commission are closely watching for ice buildup in area waterways and the potential for flooding.
Stretches of the river froze over just two weeks ago.
“I think we can expect to see a similar situation, and really for a longer period of time. We’re expecting below normal temperatures even into February some time,” says Ben Pratt, a hydraulic engineer with the commission.
Following the record-breaking cold weather earlier this month, an ice jam formed in the Swatara Creek, causing a backup near Middletown.
Pratt says an ice jam formed near Marietta early Thursday but broke up. He says it’s been three years since he’s seen the river freeze up like it has this year.