Flash Flood Brings Back Bad Memories For Oakdale Residents
OAKDALE (KDKA) - Robinson Run was roiling and relentless in Oakdale Wednesday as two rounds of heavy rain and storms moved through.
On Clinton Road, Oakdale Police Officer Jim Lauria diverted traffic around the deep water.
The town gazebo was temporarily on its own island as well.
"It come up pretty fast, probably in about an hour," one woman said.
First thing on the agenda Wednesday was getting police cruisers and fire trucks to higher ground.
One man wasn't so lucky as his truck was submerged halfway.
"Tried to make it through, but obviously couldn't. He got out of the vehicle," Matt Beno said.
Beno's basement had six to seven feet of water. They lost a new hot water tank, washer and dryer.
"So that's all ruined. It is what it is, there's nothing you can do," Beno said.
In 2004, the remnants of Hurricanes Francis and Ivan damaged or destroyed 39 homes and over 100 businesses in Oakdale.
Janet Lee was rescued from her roof that time. Now, an American flag flies over her swamp of a front yard.
She already burned up two sump pumps Wednesday morning and bought two more.
"I'm terrified of water. I can't swim. So, every time this happens it's like, should I go or should I stay?" Lee said.
With the muddy water lapping at the steps of her back porch and a broom floating in her basement, about to breach the kitchen, it brought back bad memories.
"Yes, I think this is the worst since 2004," Lee said.
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