Flood Watches, Advisories Posted For Pennsylvania, Emergency Declared In NJ
YARDLEY, Pa. (CBS) -- Rivers and streams throughout our area are dangerously close to jumping their banks. In Yardley, Bucks County, many residents spent Wednesday preparing for heavy floods that could be ahead.
Larry Nemeth of Morgan Avenue was one of them, "I watch the weather a lot."
Nemeth explained that's because he's fallen victim to three floods in less than three years. The last one in 2006 destroyed his house so he has had to rebuild his house with waterproof walls, solid insulation and even flood gates.
"The flood gates allow the water to flow in and out without pushing on the walls." Nemeth added.
Nemeth said he even has friends on speed dial for these weather events, friends like Richard Peters who help move the valuables out of the garage and into a room upstairs.
"It was just a matter of time before I got the call. We sort of get the S.O.S. when the river's going to flood," Peters said.
Nemeth's neighbors also kept busy, preparing for what could come earlier in the day. Officials say residents in the area have been warned.
Wes Foraker, Yardley's Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, said, "People living between the river and the canal; we recommend you move your vehicle to the west of the canal. Also secure your trashcans and lawn furniture."
The Delaware River in Nemeth's neighborhood is projected to crest overnight Friday into Saturday. Those who have been through this before say they are prepared.
Peters said, "It's river-living. It's like living in California. You're always going to get an earthquake or mudslide. We live next to the river so we get floods."
So residents say all they can do now is watch and wait. Foraker added, they are making plans but officials are still hoping for the best.
Wednesday afternoon, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed Executive Order No. 57, declaring a state of emergency in anticipation of severe weather conditions.
"My first responsibility as the Governor of New Jersey is protecting the health, safety and welfare of our residents," Governor Christie said. "With this order, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that state, local and county governments have every tool at their disposal in their response efforts, and are best positioned to marshal the resources necessary to assist and protect residents through anticipated flooding."
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will mobilize and deploy resources beginning immediately to prepare for and respond to the storm conditions.
Reported by Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3
