LOCUST TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- A family is safe after their home was surrounded by flood water in Columbia County.
Newswatch 16 was there as rescuers saved five from a fast-moving creek.
It was all smiles and thumbs up when family members were plucked off their porch near Catawissa.
In just a matter of hours, Big Roaring Creek lived up to its name, swallowing up the entire yard and trapping the McLaughlins.
"About 4 a.m., it went from nothing to about three feet in about 15 to 20 minutes. I think something let loose above us," said flood victim Scott McLaughlin.
It took a special rescue team with a raft, rope, and other gear to move the family of five to high ground. That included their four pets.
Despite the drama, Scott McLaughlin took it in stride. He is no stranger to flooding. He knows the creek he lives along recedes as fast as it shoots up. They were chased out last year almost to the day.
"I've been here 25 years, seen this several times. I was flooded out in '96, 2011. In 2006, it didn't come in the house but we had water," said McLaughlin.
Fire crews are also familiar with the home and its history of flooding and they weren't happy about coming back.
"If you live by a creek and know it's going to flood, get out. You just put eight people in danger today by ignoring the signs and rain around them," said assistant chief Louie Richendrfer.
The McLaughlins are safe and staying with friends nearby. They believe they'll be able to return the same day they were forced out
There's a big cleanup ahead but they say it's all part of living by a creek.
Route 42 runs alongside that home and was shut down Wednesday morning in that part of Columbia County.