Ice jams cause damage in several areas; Flood watch in effect

CHESWICK, Pa. — Ice jams in the Allegheny River continue to cause damage in several areas, while a flood watch remains in effect Tuesday until 4 p.m.

In East Brady, Clarion County, a boat launch was covered in large chunks of ice ; while the fast-moving jams damage decks and docks along the river.

Residents said they fear more damage is forthcoming.

“They tell us there’s more to come from up above. Miles and miles of ice still coming,” said East Brady resident Larry Campbell.

Chopper 11 flew over the scene Monday, and showed that ice jams have bent the 12-inch metal pilings and the docks.

“The force of the ice coming down was just no match for those little pilings. It was like toothpicks breaking over,” said Charles Miller, the owner of the marina. “There were 12-inch steel pilings driven into the bottom of the river. The ones that went down were probably in about 18 feet of water.”

Miller told Channel 11 News that he has crews working to tie things down.

“We got our work cut out for us,” Miller said. “We’re making sure everything is secure. We’ll prevent it from buckling or folding anymore. We got some big hemp rope on our docks and we are going to tie to some of the trees, and just secure it the best we can in case any more ice comes down.”

Meteorologist Valerie Smock said a flood watch will remain in effect until 4 p.m. for Venango, Forest, Clarion, Armstrong, Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.

Snow mixed with rain is expected Tuesday afternoon along the ridge and around the I-80 corridor.

Wednesday will bring off and on snow showers, with the best chance of snow early in the day.

“The system will be weak and ground temps should still be warm enough to not cause any widespread issue, but a quick coating will be possible,” Smock said.

WPXI