Centre County Issues Disaster Emergency Declaration After Severe Storms Cause Flooding, Damage

Centre County’s Board of Commissioners on Thursday issued a declaration of disaster emergency after severe storms overnight caused significant flooding and damage to property.

Torrential rain that started Wednesday night and continued into Thursday dumped from 2 inches to 5.5 inches of rainfall on parts of the area in about nine hours, with the Howard area in the northeastern part of the county. Storms brought more rain to the county later in the morning and in the evening on Thursday, and a flash flood watch remained in effect until midnight.

The storm washed out roads, downed trees and led to numerous water rescues by emergency responders.

According to Centre County Emergency Management, flooding damaged homes, properties, roadways and other infrastructure.

The emergency declaration issued by the county on Thursday is a step toward seeking resources and aid from state or federal government to assist with recovery.

“The heavy rains and flooding has endangered the health, safety and welfare of a substantial number of persons residing in Centre County, and threatens to create problems greater in scope than Centre County may be able to resolve,” the declaration states.

Centre County Emergency Management is asking residents whose properties were affected to report their damage through an online form and to include photos showing the damage when possible.

“Your report will help emergency management officials assess the overall impact of the storm and support ongoing response, recovery, and damage assessment efforts,” the agency wrote.