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WILKES-BARRE — The National Weather Service on Thursday forecast major flooding of the Susquehanna River in Luzerne County as it rises more than tenfold to reach an expected crest of 34 feet this weekend.
Heavy rains will melt the snowpack from last week’s storm causing runoffs into creeks and streams and prompting the NWS at Binghamton, New York, to issue a flood warning for the river effective Friday afternoon until further notice.
The river is forecast to rise above the natural flood stage of 22 feet Friday afternoon and continue rising and crest Saturday morning. During that time, the river will rise more than 30 feet from its reported level of 2.5 feet at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, the NWS reported.
Mocanaqua begins to flood at a river level of 33 feet. Main Street in Shickshinny floods at 32 feet. At 31 feet, West Pittston, Duryea and Hollenback Park in Wilkes-Barre are affected, according to the NWS Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
The Wyoming Valley Levee System protects most of the Wyoming Valley to a river level of 44 feet. But unprotected, low-lying areas in in Plains Township, the Plymouth Flats, West Nanticoke and Shickshinny flood at 22 feet when the river leaves its banks.
The expected crest Saturday compares to the 34.1 feet level of June 28, 2006, the NWS said.
The area forecast by the NWS called for rain to shift from moderate to heavy Thursday afternoon and continue into the night. Warmer temperatures accompany a strong storm system, causing significant snow melt and raising flooding concerns. Winds will become gusty, especially in the higher elevations. Temperatures will fall and bring with it a chance of freezing rain and icy roads on Christmas Friday.
In a change of plans Thursday Mayor George Brown said all four bridges over Solomon Creek will be closed.
”We received an update,” Brown said. “It looks like we’ll be getting more rain than we expected, so I’m going to close Barney Street also today.”
Previously Brown said the Barney Street bridge would be the only one left open subject to conditions of the creek.
Department of Public Works crews began closing the floodgates Thursday morning, starting with the South Franklin Street bridge and proceeding with the other bridges at Regent, Waller, and Barney streets.
For updates visit timesleader.com.
Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott.