LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Update:
Mayor Brown has declared a state of emergency.
He has also ordered a mandatory evacuation of the following streets:
• Waller
• Barney
• Regent
• South Franklin—between Solomon's Creek and Horton
Officials are recommending people evacuate their homes in specific areas:
• Covell between Division and Andover
• Schuler up to #20
• Andover from Covell to Strauss
• Gregory
• Brook
• Vulcan
• Ingham
• Horton St. between Bertel to Carey Ave.
• Carlisle from Horton St. to Carey Ave.
• Stark St.
• Sturdevant St.
• Cedar St.
• Huston St.
• Warren St.
• Covell St. between Division and Andover St.
• First few houses on Schuler and Andover St.
All-day Solomon Creek in South Wilkes-Barre has been a concern for city officials and people who live along its banks.
It's become so bad, the Mayor has declared a state of emergency.
Preparing for the worst in South Wilkes-Barre began early this morning along Solomon Creek when first responders closed the flood gates on the Barney Street Bridge.
They closed all four crossings of the creek in this part of South Wilkes-Barre as the creek rose four feet before noon.
"Look at the flood, I went to see the crick and how high it's getting. I might have to get a hotel room for tonight," said Naz Baldoni, Wilkes-Barre.
In the afternoon, city officials suggested that was what many residents in this part of South Wilkes-Barre should do.
They asked for a voluntary evacuation on many streets near the creek in South Wilkes-Barre as they kept an eye on the conditions.
"They’re getting worse. They're really getting worse and I'm getting very concerned because this rain isn't going to stop performing not to midnight, and I've lived here a long time since I'm 23 years old, and just Might go over on the other side," said Janet Domyan of Wilkes-Barre.
Officials say the new pump station along Brook Street worked as it should to drain stormwater from the streets, but farther up the creek water began to breach parts of the wall trying to contain it.
"Isn't that, I mean this has never happened, And I just called now for the city they're going to bring sandbags and we're going to try to stop this water because it's, it's flooding my yard," Jane Kwiatkoski of Wilkes-Barre said.
After that Mayor George Brown declared a state of emergency for the city of Wilkes-Barre and ordered a mandatory evacuation for part of South Franklin, Regent, Barney and Waller Streets, the city and the Red Cross set up a shelter at GAR Memorial High school for those who need it but some folks, in the face of flooding, say they will not leave their homes.
"Because this is my eighth flood. And I've been through them. I know how this works. I'm not afraid of this. I'm not leaving my house. We're going to be okay. This is what's concerning me," said Kwiatkoski.
Original story:
The floodgates on Barney Street in south Wilkes-Barre were closed just before noon on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, as a precaution, crews shut the floodgates on the three other bridges in south Wilkes-Barre that cross over a creek on South Franklin Regent and Waller Streets.
But on Wednesday morning, they're seeing enough signs to close others as well.
First responders tell Newswatch 16 Solomon Creek has risen six inches in just in the last half hour.
Newswatch 16 took a look at the cage by the pump station Tuesday and the creek was at half a foot.
At noon on Wednesday, it's already at 4 feet and rising here in south Wilkes-Barre.
Down the street, we have a manhole cover that is overflowing and first responders tell me that is a sign that they needed to close these floodgates.
We're also seeing some significant street flooding in the city especially on River Street and South Main Street.
Again, it's important for people to remember do not drive through standing water.
If you're in the areas along Solomon Creek it's a good idea to be prepared to leave if needed.
Conditions are only going to get worse as the day goes on.
So, we want to remind everyone to stay safe and stay with us for updates.
For the latest Stormtracker 16 forecast, click here.
Check river and stream levels near you here.
Check out the video below for tips on how to stay safe during flash flooding.
Check out more severe weather tips on WNEP's YouTube Channel.