PITTSBURGH,None — A combination of melting snow and rain left parts of the Pittsburgh-area underwater over the weekend, but in most areas the flooding was not as bad as many feared.
The majority of Point State Park was covered in water Sunday and PennDOT closed the 10th Street Bypass the Parkway Central "bathtub" area Sunday until the waters recede.
The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for four western Pennsylvania counties as several days of rain and melting snow threatened to send rivers and streams over their banks.
ALERT: List Of Pittsburgh Flooding Shelters VIDEO: Flood Threat Continues In Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl declared a state of emergency and the city closed the Mon Wharf to parking on Friday.
The Ohio River is expected to crest about 2 feet above flood stage on Sunday afternoon in the city.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY: Flood Preparedness MAP: Interactive Pittsburgh Floodway Map ALERT: Sign Up For Pittsburgh Flood Alerts EMERGENCY KIT: How To Prepare A 72-Hour Kit TIPS: Protect Your Home PDF: Flood Safety Preparation SANDBAG: How To Properly Sandbag
Channel 11 News crews caught up with Pittsburgh's EMS chief, who checked flood-prone areas around the city on Friday. The EMS chief was checking into worst-case scenarios in case any city residents get trapped.
Pittsburgh officials said there is an evacuation plan they will activate if needed.
NWS' RIVER BY RIVER INFORMATION: OHIO RIVER – PITTSBURGH: Mon Wharf Parking Area -- Should be under water until 7 a.m. Wednesday
North Shore Riverwalk -- Should be under water until 4 a.m. Wednesday
10th Street Bypass -- Should be under water until 5 a.m. Tuesday
Parkway Central -- Should be under water until 10 a.m. Monday MONONGAHELA RIVER BRADDOCK - FORECAST CREST: 23.8 FEET 22 FEET (about 2 a.m. Sunday) - Sewers can back up on 12th, 13th & Buena Vista streets - Backwater flow up the Yough can flood the restaurant on Saint David Street 23 FEET (about 8 a.m. Sunday) - Backwater flow up the Yough can flood parking lots of boat complex & community park ELIZABETH - FORECAST CREST: 23.4 FEET 20 FEET (about 8 p.m. Saturday) - Small communities around Lock 3 start minor flooding 22 FEET (about 2 a.m. Sunday) - Basements at 1st & Water Streets in West Elizabeth can begin to flood CHARLEROI - FORECAST CREST: 32.2 FEET 26 FEET (about 6 p.m. Saturday) - Route 201 can flood near Donner's Run 30 FEET (about 1 a.m. Sunday) - Areas near Pigeon Creek can flood (Peno's Plaza/Armstrong Park/Wall Street) 32.0 FEET (about 7 a.m. Sunday) - Flooding can occur on 4th, Cook, Main and Connellsville streets GRAYS LANDING - FORECAST CREST: 21.1 FEET 20.0 FEET (about 6 p.m. Saturday) - Water approaches the deck at State Route 3003 bridge YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER SUTERSVILLE - FORECAST CREST: 22.9 FEET 20 FEET (about 1 p.m. Saturday) - Residential basement flooding is possible along the river bank - Flooding is possible in the business district in West Newton CONNELLSVILLE - FORECAST CREST: 16.9 FEET 14.0 FEET (about 1 a.m. Saturday) - Several inches of water is possible in basements just downstream from Crawford bridge. 16.0 FEET (about 6 p.m. Saturday) - 100 homes near 6th and 7th street can start to flood (west side of Connellsville) 17.0 FEET (not currently forecast - but close) - Water reaches homes in towns of Adelaide and Dawson – downstream CONFLUENCE - FORECAST CREST: 15.2 FEET 14.0 FEET (7 a.m. Saturday) - Water floods State Route 3003. Road is usually closed.
The Mon Wharf closed Friday morning and could be flooded through Wednesday.
Pittsburgh officials were proactive in preparing for potential flooding after the flood of 1996, when a large amount of snowfall melted all at once, sending many areas underwater period
The city took steps to prepare for any flooding. Those steps included ensuring that garbage cans and light poles are securely bolted. The city will also keep an eye on riverside electrical systems.
In nearby Etna, several students from Shaler Area High School spent Friday helping residents along Cherry Street prepare for possible flooding.
Cherry Street is susceptible to flooding and students spent the day helping people move furniture and other items from basements to higher ground.
Residents appreciated the students' gesture.
"It's great," said Bob Fox. "I couldn't do it myself. You got to have help."
VIDEO: Shaler H.S. Students Help Etna Residents Prepare For Flooding
Volunteers also helped Etna Borough stockpile sandbags in case they are needed.
The Shaler Police Department also announced that the Red Cross will operate a shelter at the Shaler Area Middle School along Mount Royal Boulevard. The shelter will be open to anyone in the school district and surrounding communities.
A separate animal shelter will be set up at the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Department in the 700 block of Mount Royal Boulevard in Shaler, authorities said.
According to the NWS, the risk of flooding is high because of record snowfall last month and the amount of rain the region is expecting in the upcoming days. Flooding risks are greater in areas with small creeks and streams.
Previous Stories: March 6, 2010: Sharpsburg Residents Prepare For Flood Possibility March 6, 2010: Pittsburgh Prepares For Flooding As Snow Thaws
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