Philly power outages: Nearly half-million without power in Northeast as flooding tops Superstorm Sandy
PHILADELPHIA - Although the powerful winter storm packing destructive winds and flooding rain in the eastern third of the country is moving into Canada, widespread power outages and significant river flooding are lingering across the Northeast on Wednesday.
On Wednesday morning, emergency management in New London County, Connecticut, reported the potential failure of the Fitchville Pond Dam along the Yantic River. Authorities have warned of life-threatening flash flooding in areas downstream from the dam, including the town of Fitchville. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning until 6:45 p.m. EST for this area.
Connecticut emergency managers issued a mandatory evacuation of a portion of the nearby town of Bozrah and opened a middle school for shelter.
Numerous smaller rivers remain in flood stage, while water levels continue to rise on major area rivers, which will crest in the next 48 hours, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Philadelphia storm damage: Road closures, downed trees, power outages due to winds, flooding
From downed trees and home evacuations to runaway shopping carts and road closures, sirens and fire engines sound off in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas due to the severe storm Tuesday.
Coastal Flood Warnings and Advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service, with the worst of the coastal flooding forecast to occur in and around the Chesapeake and Delaware bays. At the coast, another dangerous high-tide cycle will send Atlantic waters onto the land during the Wednesday morning high tide.
The Delaware River in Philadelphia broke an all-time record crest, previously set during Superstorm Sandy, as it rose to 10.66 feet above the low-tide level during high tide at 12:30 a.m. EST Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Ahead of the storm, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties in the state. In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness due to the severe weather conditions. Some school districts decided to dismiss early on Tuesday because of the storm.
"We've already had residents early this morning come by just to take a look at the river levels," Merwin said. "Thankfully, it looks like the crest, which we're expecting to happen tomorrow (Thursday) evening, should be just below that level. But to be honest, the trend of the forecast is increasing."
On Tuesday, New Jersey residents expected the Pompton River in Pompton Plains to rise to about 19 feet by Wednesday morning. The forecast now calls for a crest of over 20 feet on Wednesday evening.
NEW JERSEY RIVERS REACH MAJOR FLOOD STAGE SENDING WATER RUSHING INTO NEARBY COMMUNITIES
Storm unleashed torrential rain, wind across South Jersey leading to waterlogged roadways
South Jersey is feeling the effects of a storm system as rain pushes into shore communities and across the state, closing numerous roadways, and causing power outages.
In Lodi, New Jersey, the Saddle River crested around 9 a.m. Wednesday, more than 2 feet above major flood stage. The river level peaked at 10.27 feet, according to the NWS. The Saddle River enters minor flood stage at 5.5 feet and major flood stage at 8 feet.
Basement and lower-level apartment homes in Lodi were flooded when the river crested, sending water into the streets near the river, including Main Street. Water continued to lap at buildings, and the river raged nearby into Wednesday afternoon.
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Pompton Plains, New Jersey, has picked up 3-5 inches of rain over the past 24 hours. The Pompton River, which runs through the city, hit major flood stage at 19 feet and is forecast to peak at 20.6 feet by late Wednesday.
"Last night, I was actually outside my house digging trenches to get water away from my foundation," said FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin as she reported from the flooded Pompton River - an area that experienced moderate to major flooding three weeks ago. "This is something that not only hits close to home, but it's something that a lot of residents are having to deal with across New Jersey and also moving up into Connecticut and upstate New York."
Although the Pompton River reached major flood stage, it won't be a historic event. The highest recorded crest on the Pompton River was during Hurricane Irene in 2011, which reached 25 feet.
"It's not the worst of the worst, but major flooding is major flooding," Merwin said. "Unfortunately, with the river level that we're expecting for crest (Thursday), that means Route 23, which is literally just a stone's throw that way, is going to be impassable for parts."
Coastal Flood Warnings and Advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service, with the worst of the coastal flooding forecast to occur in and around the Chesapeake and Delaware bays. At the coast, another dangerous high-tide cycle was expected to send Atlantic waters onto the land during the Wednesday morning high tide.
Severe coastal flooding occurred in the Hampton Beach area of New Hampshire. The flooding was caused by heavy rain that poured overnight, accompanied by strong onshore winds that exacerbated the situation.
Hampton police declared an emergency due to extremely high seas and flooding and closed a waterfront boulevard. The town opened an emergency center, and firefighters responded to multiple calls, but no injuries were reported.
The Delaware River in Philadelphia broke an all-time record crest, previously set during Superstorm Sandy, as it rose to 10.66 feet above the low-tide level during high tide at 12:30 a.m. EST Wednesday, according to the NWS.
Ahead of the storm, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties in the state. In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness due to the severe weather conditions. Some school districts decided to dismiss early on Tuesday because of the storm.
High winds could create additional power outages Wednesday
As of last check Wednesday afternoon, more than 400,000 customers were without power from Virginia through Maine.
DON'T WAIT: NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE
Despite the system exiting into the Atlantic Ocean, strong wind gusts will persist into Wednesday evening in the Northeast, which could trigger additional power outages as crews work tirelessly to restore power to the hundreds of thousands who remain without electricity.
BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HIGH WIND WARNINGS
Wind Advisories and High Wind Warnings have been issued for the second straight day across much of the region as winds are forecast to gust between 45 and 60 mph.