The Centre County Board of Commissioners declared a disaster emergency early Friday morning after heavy rains caused significant flooding in the Bald Eagle Valley region.
According to the National Weather Service, Bald Eagle Creek in Milesburg crested at 9.21 feet, the third highest crest on record behind 12.15 feet after rains from Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and 11.67 feet after Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
Evacuations began in Milesburg and Howard at around 3 a.m., and the Red Cross opened a shelter at Bald Eagle Area High School, according to the county.
Absolutely devastating flooding in Milesburg PA, considered a ‘disaster area’. @spann @PSUWeather @TWCBreaking pic.twitter.com/YCbEh7jexI
— Quinn Lease (@QuinnLeaseWX) October 21, 2016
Storms overnight brought a significant amount of rainfall throughout the county, from 1.5 inches in State College to more than 7 inches in some parts of the county.
Heavy rain is expected to develop again over the area throughout Friday. Bald Eagle Creek remains under a flood warning through Sunday morning, and the county is under a flash flood watch until 4 p.m. Friday.
Bald Eagle Area School District canceled classes Friday. Most of Bald Eagle State Park is closed, and the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Festival scheduled for the park on Saturday has been canceled.
Flooding near Milesburg, PA, which is ofiicially considered a disaster area. @JimCantore @spann @PSUWeather @NWSStateCollege @JoeMurgo pic.twitter.com/3MHe1tEDse
— Zach Chabala (@ZachChabalaWX) October 21, 2016
