WILKES-BARRE -- Communities in our area are in the planning stages in case Hurricane Joaquin hammers the east coast.
Emergency responders in Luzerne County are on call, while many people who live in flood-prone zones are starting to prepare for what may be another flooding situation if that storm takes a turn.
Water levels along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre and Solomon Creek in south Wilkes-Barre stand at about one foot, but the low water levels aren't stopping some people from making sure they're safe if disaster strikes.
"Every time it rains my wife wants to get a canoe!" said Pat Merrick.
Merrick has been through plenty of floods, having lived along South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre for more than 20 years. His daughter says the family always has an eye to the sky when it gets cloudy.
"You have to be cautious of the creek overflowing, because usually every time that happens, we get it in our basement," Leah Merrick said.
They aren't the only one's keeping a close watch. The Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency has volunteers and the Red Cross on standby, and it's also monitoring the storm with other county departments.
"If it comes necessary to make some judgment calls, we'll certainly do that," said Chris Bellman, Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority.
Emergency officials say they're prepared for the worst, but for some families in Wilkes-Barre, they don't want to relive another major flood.
"Hoping a rain drop doesn't fall, not in this area anyway. If so, I hope my wife's working so she can't actually complain," said Pat Merrick.
State emergency officials urge everyone to prepare.
Keep track of river levels and the storm track as the storm approaches.
