Weekend Rain Causes Severe Flooding In Greene County
GREENE COUNTY (KDKA) -- Greene County was hit with severe flooding Sunday.
Much of Saturday was spent dealing with freezing rain in the Pittsburgh area, but as temperatures rose overnight, the rain continued, causing flooding problems throughout the region.
Several cars were almost fully submerged in the flood water in Rogersville.
Emergency dispatchers said first responders in the area rescued people who were stuck in cars and trailers.
The flooding left many homes damaged.
"I'm 72 years old, what am I going to do?"
Gwenda Smith came outside to find her house surrounded by water. She found more than a foot of water in her basement after the creek went over it's banks.
"All the rain we got in the past 24 hours, the ground has been so wet," said Waynesburg Fire Assistant Chief Scott Collins.
As a result, high water rose at least 15 feet covering one bridge and surrounding construction equipment on the banks.
Flood waters covered the football field at Franklin Township Park, and threatened to go over a nearby metal bridge.
Jerry Cook got a surprise call that his car wash and surrounding property were going under water. He scrambled to move 15 school buses and pickup trucks off the property, but his car wash was badly damaged.
"This is the third time in 17 years...all you can do is bring your guys in and start picking up garbage, and hosing 'er down," Cook said.
The American Red Cross is providing disaster relief for five families, nine adults and six children, who were forced to evacuate.
A flood warning was issued early Sunday, covering Fayette, Greene, Westmoreland, Washington and southeastern Allegheny counties. It was extended multiple times in the morning and expired at 1 p.m.
A flood advisory was also issued Saturday afternoon for the Ohio River. The advisory lasts until Sunday evening.
The Public Parking Authority says the Mon Wharf will be closed Monday until further notice as a result of a Flood Advisory.
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