Flash Flood — Luzerne, Pennsylvania

2002-05-28 · near Bear Creek, Luzerne, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

About 6 inches of rain fell in less than 4 hours from nearly stationary thunderstorms along Bear Creek in Luzerne County. The heavy rainfall caused massive flooding along Bear Creek which impacted numerous roads, homes and bridges in southeastern Luzerne County. The Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was closed northbound between Exits 35 and 38 was closed due to numerous mudslides and flooding. Water was flowing over many parts of the turnpike where it was closed. Numerous homes were also flooded as waters rapidly engulfed them in the village of Bear Creek. Many people were overcome by the floodwaters and had to be rescued from the roofs of their flooded homes by helicopter or boat. Swift water rescue teams were also deployed and narrowly escaped the flood waters as well. A hovercraft was rendered useless due to the swift current. Around 23 patients at a nursing home had to be evacuated due to the flooding and a loss in power. Bear Creek dam began to spill over which in turn caused Route 115 to flood where it goes over Bear Creek. School buses also became stranded by the flood waters and were unable to bring at least 25 children home. The children were forced to spend a night at their school. 12 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard were called out to assist the flood ravaged areas. A bridge near Bear Creek Village was also in danger of collapsing. Three roads were closed due to culvert washouts. A 2 acre private pond above Bear Creek Lake is no longer there due to a dam break. Cars were carried downstream. One woman was injured trying to drive home over flooded roads. Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency estimated about 100 structures sustained damage.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5299419. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.