More Gates Opened On Conowingo Dam, Port Deposit Issues Voluntary Evacuation
CONOWINGO, Md. (WJZ) -- The sun is the only thing dropping over the Conowingo Dam Thursday night.
Water levels continue to rise, and with them, the fear that the Susquehanna River could break its banks and cause catastrophic damage.
It's expected to crest early Friday morning.
For now, it's watch, wait and look upstream for any indicators of what may come.
"So, they've been telling us it's pretty bad up there," Port Deposit Mayor Wayne Tome said, "So we're preparing for the worst, hoping for the best,"
Those who live on high ground are dry, and confident they'll stay that way.
"I don't think it's a real cause for concern yet," Marie Brown of Darlington, Md., said. "I've seen more."
But, in the low lying areas of Port Deposit, Tome said there may be water in some backyards and basements and North Main Street. The water is creeping in.
The river can quickly seal off the town. The Main Road North is already underwater in some sports, with voluntary evacuations in place. An evacuation center is open at Minker Hall at Perryville Fire Company.
Upriver at the dam, twenty gates are open to try and prevent further flooding. That number could climb to 25 overnight. But if it will be enough to contain these raging waters remains to be seen.
Delmarva Power Company warned tonight if there is significant flooding, they may have to cut power in some areas.
But for now, the lights are on.
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