SUNBURY, Pa. — UPDATE:
As the rain continues to fall, these guys installed the flood wall along Route 61 in Sunbury.
"Protect the residents, make sure there's not any more unneeded and undue flooding. Just alleviate any emergencies that may come of that," said Derrick Backer, Sunbury City Administrator.
The rain started between one and 2 a.m. in Northumberland County.
As of this afternoon, Sunbury has seen more than five Inches of rain and it's far from over. Crews are monitoring the creek and the flood wall went up as a precaution.
"It goes up to 24 feet. Up towards the top of the plate itself is 24 feet," Backer said.
Not everyone in Sunbury will be protected by the flood wall.
Zimmerman Motors is located right outside the wall.
Employees spent the day moving vehicles.
"We are preparing for high waters whether they come or not. Normally we have to move 250 cars, fortunately, with sales being the way they are and inventory being the way it is, we're only moving 125 cars," said Bob Zimmerman, Zimmerman Motors.
Zimmerman Motors has been here more than 40 years, so this is not the first time the dealership has prepared for a flood.
"After the flood is over if it does happen, another 48 hours and we will be back in operation again because we prepared ahead of time," Zimmerman said.
City officials say the wall will stay up until the Flood Control Department says it is no longer needed.
Original story:
It's not unusual for the Reagan Street Underpass to flood when it rains, and it's already happened here in Sunbury.
The city actually closed the underpass early Wednesday morning in anticipation of flooding.
The rain started between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Wednesday in Northumberland County.
As of noon Wednesday, this area has seen more than two inches of rain, and it's far from over.
The rain is not expected to let up and should continue into the evening.
Our Stormtracker 16 team says this part of our area could see more than six inches of rain before this is all said and done.
Right now, crews here in Sunbury are working on some drainage issues at the Reagan Street construction site and monitoring levels at the creek.
Officials here say none of this is unexpected at this point.
There is a warning to drivers: steer clear of water-covered roadways. It's not safe.
Make sure you stay with Newswatch 16 as we will have updates throughout the day and night.
For the latest Stormtracker 16 forecast, click here.
Check river and stream levels near you here.
Check out the video below for Flash Flooding tips.