SCRANTON, Pa. — Emergency flood precautions were underway Monday morning in parts of Scranton.
Excavators on Frink Street were hard at work, cleaning out the debris to keep the creeks at bay.
Mayor Paige Cognetti was on-site checking in with homeowners nearby.
"At this point in my life, I'd rather snow than water, which sounds kind of strange. But we have those emergency measures in place. We're working on those long-term solutions," said Mayor Cognetti.
The west side and Keyser Valley sections of the city were hit hard during September's devastating flooding. As was the area around Leggetts Creek, where homeowner Brian Kerrigan and his entire family have lived for decades.
"As you see, this is bad, but just imagine, it was at the top of the tunnel, the fear that I had for my mom and dad and sisters," he explained, as he pointed out the waterline from September's flooding.
Kerrigan says he's worried it's going to happen again if something doesn't change.
A long-term plan to address the flooding issues in Scranton was held earlier this month.
"This is a minor rain, and look where we're at already. Something needs to be in the way of flood control," added Kerrigan.
Over in the Plot section of Scranton, DPW was putting up the floodgates as the water in the Lackawanna River was quickly rising. Neighbors nearby were keeping an eye on those levels.
John Krucar says he's dealt with water issues since he purchased his home in 2006.
"Every time it rains, my basement gets water in it. When it rains heavy, the water comes into the basement through the floor. With this kind of water, I have to a have a sump pump. If it goes over that wall, not just over the wall but through these seals, it's going to be worse," said Krucar.
Paul Hughes, who lived through the flooding of 1996, says he's hoping they're in the clear.
"I'll tell you, the Plot itself, we're pretty safe down here since they put this dike in. It dressed up the plot a lot too," he explained. "We're always nervous when we hear the alarms going off for the floods, but I feel pretty safe here."
Monday's rain comes as those from the September flood will soon be getting some relief. Mayor Cognetti says the first round of flood relief checks are on the way.
"It's a little ironic that we're cutting those checks for the September 9 storm on the same day that we're seeing more water. But everyone is physically safe, which is most important. We're working to make sure those properties stay safe," the mayor added.
As crews in Scranton are doing what they can to keep the water from rising yet again.