Police urging people to observe road closures; even better: stay put
Updated at 5:50 p.m. with information from county’s Dept. of Emergency Services
Downingtown Police Chief James R. McGowan III is urging residents to stay home or use alternate routes as the heavy rains have taken a toll on the borough’s roads.
“Due to the severe rain fall accumulation, all major roadways and thoroughfares are experiencing flooding conditions in Downingtown Borough,” a news release said.
Motorists are requested to use alternate travel routes until the weather has subsided. McGowan said sections of four main roads have been closed, and he expects other closures will be imminent.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said flood stage for the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek is seven feet; at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, it had reached 7.7 feet and is expected to crest well over 10 feet. Heavy rains are predicted to continue through Thursday, according to the NWS.
“If you don’t have to go out, stay home,” McGowan said. For those who went to work and live on roads that have been closed, he suggested “staying with a friend” unless you have a secondary access option. “We need people to abide by the road signs,” he said. “You don’t want to drive through standing water.”
Patty Mains, a spokesperson for the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, said more than 35 sections of roadway have been closed throughout the county, and more than 30 water rescues have been needed, including one at Green Street and Lincoln Avenue in Downingtown Borough.
