Ice jams, rainy forecast prompt W. Pa. flood watch

PITTSBURGH — The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch along much of the Allegheny River in western Pennsylvania, where warmer weather has prompted ice jams to break loose and float downriver.

Flooding was reported Sunday morning near East Brady, about 50 miles upriver from Pittsburgh. That jam cleared about three hours later and only hunting camps in the rural area appeared to be affected.

"There was so much ice the other day.  Almost up to the road," homeowner Larry Campbell told Channel 11's Brandon Hudson Monday night.

Campbell lives about a mile away from the boat launch, one of the lower points at the East Brady campground.  His property wasn't affected but he has seen ice floating down the river.

"They tell us there is more to come from up above – miles and miles of ice still coming," Campbell said.

Ice also took out part of a marina near New Kensington, causing about $20,000 damage.

Channel 11's Amy Marcinkiewicz visited Rivers Edge campground on the Allegheny River in Armstrong County on Monday and saw the massive ice jams.

She reported massive chunks of ice and debris had overtaken several people's properties.

"It's crazy. It came up really close to our cabins," said Brian Hans.

Hans said he and his family know the situation can get worse.

"We want this to thaw and move out of here. We don't want any flooding," Hans said.

WPXI