PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Roads and highways throughout central Pennsylvania were closed as Tropical Storm Debby entered the region, bringing heavy rain and storms that caused flooding and downed trees.
Officials reminded motorists to turn around, don't drown if they saw flooding on the road.
"It is definitely not worth the risk to try and drive through standing and/or moving water, even if a motorist thinks they know how deep the water is," a PennDOT spokesperson said. "A sinkhole can open at any time, and honestly, very little water is needed to sweep a car off a road.
"PennDOT crews are patrolling their respective counties and clearing inlets and drains and removing debris."
PennDOT reminded drivers to be extra careful when it's dark and visibility is lowered, providing motorists with little to no warning of water, trees or debris on the road.
Here is a list of travel routes that are/were shut down due to the impacts of Debby:
Cumberland County
East Pennsboro Township
- Creekside Drive is closed along the 200-block
- Magaro Road is closed from Hill Road to Acri Meadow Road
Lower Allen Township
The Lower Allen Township Police Department advised of the following closures:
- Lower Allen Drive is closed by the Capital City Mall.
- The 4900 block of Gettysburg Road is shut down.
- Oneida Road is also closed.
- There is tree debris on Lisburn Road near Lisburn.
- A tree is blocking Firethorn Lane.
Officials say the stormwater systems are struggling to keep up after not seeing rain this heavy for a long period of time. Public safety workers implore drivers to use an alternate route and not try to drive on a road that is blocked off.
"These areas have been identified as not passible," the LATPD said. "Some have tested this theory and failed already today, further taxing already strained public safety resources."
Monroe Township
- At the intersection of Stumptown/Williams Grove and Lisburn Roads.
North Newton Township
- At the 500 block of Springfield Road.
South Middleton Township
- Petersburg Road is closed at South Mountain Raceway.
- The Petersburg and Lerew Road intersection is closed.
- Ladnor Lane is closed along the 123 block.
Upper Allen Township
- McCormick Road is closed at the 500 block, 1100 block, 2400 block and at E. Lisburn/Ford Farm Road/Arcona Road.
- Grantham Road is closed at the 600 block.
- Bishop Road is closed at Messiah University.
Dauphin County
Halifax
- Route 147 is closed in the Halifax area between Routes 225 and 22/322 due to trees down, rocks, mud and other debris, PennDOT said. It is scheduled to be closed to traffic for 30 days. Message boards will be up to indicate the closure. The truck restriction for 225 over Peter's Mountain has been temporarily lifted during the closure.
- Route 11/15 is closed in the area of 274/Duncannon Borough due to a mudslide with poles and wires down.
Franklin County
Chambersburg
- West Commerce Street between Hood Street and Franklin Street is closed due to adverse weather conditions, the Chambersburg Police Department said.
- CPD also announced a crash at Wayne Ave. and S. Second St. The road will be closed to all traffic from Wayne Ave. and Garfield at S. Second St.
Perry County
Routes 11/15 are closed in the area of Route 274 in Duncannon Borough due to a mudslide with poles and wires down, PennDOT said.
York County
Dover
The Dover Township Fire Department shared a photo of a car it rescued from a flooded portion of a township roadway. The department issued a reminder to turn around, don't drown.
Fairview Township
Old York Road is closed at Lewisberry Road due to flooding.