Bucks County Blog

Bucks Emergency Management Officials Announce Neshaminy Creek is Receding, Delaware River to Crest in Riegelsville Early Tuesday

April 20th, 2007

Since yesterday, the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has been monitoring the affects of the nor’easter that is still working its way through our area.  Sunday morning, the EMA activated CAN, the county’s Community Alert Network, in which 547 calls were made instantaneously to notify those along the Neshaminy of the predicted flooding that eventually occurred later in the day.  The activation of CAN allows affected residents to take precautionary measures with as much notice as possible.

Last night at 11 p.m., the Neshaminy crested at 14.5 feet.  Affected areas were Northampton, Middletown, Bensalem and Bristol townships and Hulmeville Borough.  Flood stage for the Neshaminy Creek is 9 feet.  According to EMA Director John Dougherty, as of 10:30 a.m. today, the creek had receded to 12.8 feet.

Bucks County Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin points out that because of the county’s home elevation and buyout program,  over 100 homes have been razed and another 45 elevated, all in an effort to keep residents out of harms way during flooding. “On days such as today, you can really see the value and significance of our flood mitigation program.  The commissioners are very pleased to be able to assist families in this manner,” he noted.

The Delaware River, which has not reached its flood stage of 22 feet, is expected to reach that height in Riegelsville, the county’s northern-most point, at 2 a.m. Tuesday morning.  Though some low-lying areas may experience minor flooding, homes along that stretch of the river should not be impacted.

Also according to Dougherty, who activated the county’s Emergency Operations Center in Ivyland yesterday, two major roads are still reported closed:  In Middletown Township at Route 413 and Bridgetown Pike, and in Bensalem Township, State Road at Street and Stations Avenue.

Entry Filed under: Bucks County News