Flash Flood in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Heavy rains struck many parts of Lancaster County, causing flooding of many areas. Hardest hit were northern sections of the county. Five to six inches of rain fell late Sunday afternoon and evening in Lititz, the community hardest hit by flooding. Scores of homes and businesses flooded Sunday night as thunderstorms stalled over the area. At one time, all roads in and out of Lititz were closed. Many motorists were trapped in their cars by the fast rising waters. All were rescued by firefighters and police without injury. A fire chief said that they had 15 stranded vehicles, with people in them, all at one time. East Petersburg reported 6 inches of rain, and the Lancaster Airport recorded 5.27 inches. Damages were estimated at $4 million. One furniture store alone had estimated losses of $2 million in inventories. Little Conestoga Creek rose more than 3 feet above its banks in Lancaster Township swamping a garden center. In East Hempfield Township, waters forced evacuations of three apartments. At the peak of the flooding, water covered the top rail of a newly installed split-rail fence.