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Ida off to an early start in Berks County

Tropical rainstorm Ida is already off and running in Berks County on Wednesday morning with the worst expected to still be ahead.

Rainfall totals in some areas are already approaching an inch after downpours. The rain is heavier so far mainly from Reading north.

Berks is in a flash flood watch until 8 a.m. Thursday issued by the National Weather Service. The counties to the west are already in a flood warning.

Officially at Reading Regional Airport, the weather service site in Berks, 0.64 inch had fallen by 10:30 a.m.

Other measurements at 10:30 included Schuylkill River at Penn Street, 0.78 inch; Cornwall Terrace, 0.71; Hopewell Park, 0.63; Lincoln Park, 0.52.

The Spring Street “subway” underpass in Reading was closed as a precaution at 10:30 a.m. Traffic will be directed around it until the flooding danger has passed.

Officials have warned drivers to be aware of water on the roads and the potential for danger.

Met-Ed is reporting 101 customers in Berks without power. It is unclear if any are related to Ida.

The latest statement from the National Weather Service, Mount Holly, N.J., office: “Steady rain continues across the north, but precip rates will remain manageable through this morning.”

After that, heavier rain is expected.

All eyes are also on river flooding, with the projection for the Schuylkill River at Penn Street to crest at 16-feet plus on Thursday morning. That level is nearly the point where officials begin to engage action plans.

Upstream at Berne in Tilden Township, the level is not expected to be as high. However, downstream at Pottstown and Norristown, there is more flooding potential.

This story will be updated.


Source: Berkshire mont

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