How high do the rivers have to get to flood Heinz Field, PNC Park?

PITTSBURGH — River flooding will likely be a big issue this weekend. Water levels are already high, and more rain is expected. Here’s a look at the impact flooding has on downtown Pittsburgh.

• 18 feet - Water begins to flow onto the Mon Parking Wharf.
• 19 feet - Water begins to flow onto the North Shore Riverwalk between the stadiums.
• 19.5 feet - The Mon Parking Wharf is completely closed.
• 22 feet - The Tenth Street Bypass floods.
• 22.7 feet - Water reaches the top of the rail of the B&O Railroad on the North Side.
• 23 feet - Clemente Park is flooded.
• 24.5 feet - The fountain in Point State Park is flooded.
• 25 feet - The Parkway Central (or bathtub) is closed by flooding. Lower North Side businesses are also affected.

• 26 feet - The State Correctional Institution Pittsburgh is impacted.
• 28 feet - Pumping operations begin on Neville Island. The Wood Street T Station facilities are impacted. Fort Pitt Boulevard is closed.
• 29 feet - River Avenue on the North Side begins to flood.
• 30 feet - 200 businesses are affected by flooding. Heinz Field playing field is flooded. Point State Park is flooded to the Portal Bridge.
• 31 feet - Water reaches the railroad tracks at Station Square on the South Side. PNC Park playing field is flooded. tThis is the level of flooding we saw during Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

PHOTOS: Timeline of rain moving in through Sunday

• 32 feet - McKees Rocks is affected. Flooding occurs on Neville Island.
• 35 feet - The river level reaches critical stage for Heinz Field and PNC Park.
• 36 feet - Serious flood damage occurs to roughly 500 business on the North Side and in downtown Pittsburgh. The Port Authority subway system is affected.
• 36.6 feet - Stream distribution lines in Pittsburgh are in jeopardy. Water reaches the top of the flood wall at PNC Park.
• 37 feet - Water reaches to flood level of the Rivers Casino.
• 40 feet - PNC Park is flooded along Federal Street.
• 46 feet - Severe damage occurs in Pittsburgh, with up to 15 feet of water in the Golden Triangle. This is the level of the record flood in March of 1936.

Severe Weather Team 11 meteorologists do not anticipate flooding to reach Hurricane Ivan levels; however, we could see the closure of several downtown roads.

Cox Media Group