Flash Flood — Bucks, Pennsylvania

2000-07-30 to 2000-07-31 · near South Portion, Bucks, Pennsylvania

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms with torrential downpours that remained nearly stationary during the early evening of the 30th, caused flash flooding in the Mill Creek Basin in Bucks County just above its confluence with the Neshaminy Creek. Less severe flooding occurred throughout the rest of lower Bucks County. The county was declared a federal disaster area. Damage was estimated at $5 million dollars. Four hundred and forty-eight homes and businesses were damaged in Upper Southampton, Lower Southampton, Northampton and Bensalem Townships. About 75 persons and their pets were rescued from their homes (along the Mill Creek) and/or vehicles. A temporary shelter was opened at the Lower Southampton Fire Company. Three bridges were damaged. The hardest hit municipalities were Upper and Lower Southampton, Northampton and Warminster Townships. The raging flood waters also knocked over trees and power lines. About 7,600 homes and businesses lost power. No serious injuries were reported.The first rescue occurred about 715 p.m. EDT as seven people became stranded in a van in Upper Southampton Township on Churchill Road. Several bridges were damaged and closed because of the flooding Mill Creek. In Lower Southampton Township and Northampton Township, Pennsylvania State Route 532 was closed between Old Bristol Road and Chinquapin Road. The bridge supports washed away. It was expected to be reopened in 5 to 10 days. Within Lower Southampton Township, the Feasterville area was hard hit. Numerous smaller roads were closed and floating yard wood and submerged barbecues were common sights. In Upper Southampton Township, Churchville Road was closed between Bristol Road and Pennsylvania State Route 132. The approached to the bridge washed out. In Northampton Township, the Bridgetown Pike between Maple Avenue and Rocksville Road was closed as approaches to the bridge were damaged also. The parking lot of the Mill Race Inn was ripped apart and the Valley Stream Inn was also damaged. Two roads were also closed in Warminster Township. Elsewhere in Bucks County, flooding along the Indian Creek forced the closure of two roads in Bristol Township. Raw sewage backed into an apartment complex in Penndel Borough. The main stem of the Neshaminy Creek also flooded. At Langhorne, the creek reached its 9 foot flood stage at 9 p.m. EDT, crested at 11.91 feet at 10 p.m. EDT and was back within bankfull at 8 a.m. EDT on the 31st. The highest reported storm total was 8.80 inches in Southampton. Other storm totals included 3.21 inches in Neshaminy Falls and 1.05 inches in Doylestown.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5162899. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.