Community Corner

Severe T-Storm Watch (Possible Flooding) for Thursday

National Weather Service and PennDOT caution area residents and motorists.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect today (Thursday) until 10 p.m., the  has announced.

The watch area covers around 50 counties, including Allegheny's Baldwin-Whitehall area.

And with the heavy rain and wind expected to spread across the state today, is preparing for regionalized flooding and warns motorists to be alert for safety hazards while avoiding driving through floodwaters.

Find out what's happening in Baldwin-Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Today’s rainfall may cause roadway flooding, and PennDOT maintenance personnel are monitoring streams, especially those along secondary and rural roads, that are likely to flood or be impacted by slides," according to a news release from the department. "Bridge inspection crews will monitor any impact of high water and debris on area bridges.

"Motorists are always urged to drive according to conditions they encounter. PennDOT warns motorists not to drive across roads covered with water because the water may be deeper than it looks, and never attempt to drive around barriers on any closed roads.

Find out what's happening in Baldwin-Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Motorists are advised that power outages due to severe weather may cause traffic signals to become inoperable. The rules of the road require drivers to respond to an inoperable signal as they would a four-way stop sign. Motorists need to come to a complete stop and yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right.

"Forecasters are also calling for strong winds, which may down trees and utility lines."

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