State of emergency declared in Connellsville after storms

A state of emergency has been declared in Connellsville after heavy storms hit the area Thursday night.

STORY: Flooding rains, strong winds result in major damage across area

RELATED: NWS will send team of meteorologists to all locations with storm damage

Mayor Greg Lincoln made the announcement on his Facebook page after 10 p.m.

He said the city has evacuated and closed the Dutch Bottom area and opened the senior center, where city staff will be on hand for the rest of the night.

TIMELINE: When can you expect flooding to peak

Rising water levels on the Yough have triggered evacuations and more than 30 families have been forced to leave their homes.

Some people have decided to leave, but a lot more are staying.

Firefighters have brought in water pumps to flush the water back into the river from Yough River Park.

City officials issued a voluntary evacuation for residents.

Channel 11 learned that federal officials with the United States Coast Guard are monitoring the river levels.

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Cox Media Group