Pennsylvania Braces For Major Flooding - Evacuations Underway - Highways Closed

Disasters can be created as a result of one incident or a combination of incidents leading to an unfavorable outcome.

• It appears the accumulation of rain from both Irene and Lee has pushed river stages into the danger zone here in Pennsylvania. Officials expect massive flooding similar to what was experienced from Hurricane Agnes in 1972. In Luzerne County the Susquehanna River is expected to crest at or above flood stage later today or tomorrow.

I lived through and experienced the devastation of Agnes when it hit. I can tell you first hand how treacherous the force of water can be. I remember tiny trickles in farm pastures that turned into raging rivers of mass destruction.

• Roads and bridges were washed away like they were toothpick structures. I can still see herds of cows being swept down the Susquehanna struggling and flailing, trying to keep their heads above water. Houses floating past like a child's toy boat. Coffins were uprooted and floated down stream landing who knows where. It was a total nightmare.

Luzerne County where Wilkes-Barre Pa is located has mandatory evacuations under way at this moment. The list of counties in the path of flooding is extensive.

If you have family or friends located in any of these areas communicate with them.

• Tell them to heed the warnings and get out if they are in a potential flood zone. Portions of Interstate 80 and 81 are already closed. Ordinary routes may not be passable at this time.

You can follow the news live on the local channel WNEP NEWS

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