Local water rescue team prepares for potential flooding

HARMONY, Pa. — The Butler County water rescue team is preparing for potential flooding as remnants of Nicole make its way through our region. They say they are ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Channel 11 stopped by the small town of Harmony in Butler County, an area prone to flooding.

It sits right along the Connoquenessing Creek where there are many homes and businesses that have dealt with issues before.

“We’ve had to close down our business several times because of flooding,” said Seth Murphy the owner of the Wunderbar Coffee and Crepes.

We were there earlier this year when the basement of this coffee shop flooded. This time – the owner says they have sandbags ready to go.

Some people living are concerned saying it’s always a gamble when rain is dumped in this area like when Hurricane Ivan hit 18 years ago.

“We had a river through all of the town here,” said Nathan Lloyd.

On Friday, some members of the Butler County Water Rescue team with the Harmony Fire District were getting all the equipment ready for the night ahead.

Right now, they are monitoring the water levels. At last check, they are pretty low, but fire officials say that can quickly change.

“There are a lot of creeks that feed the Connoquenessing, it can rise pretty rapidly,” said Capt. Doug Pickett for Harmony Fire District.

Capt. Pickett says they will be working this afternoon and overnight in case there are any emergencies. When they get the call, he says every minute counts.

“It’s important we get there as soon as possible and mitigate the situation,” said Capt. Pickett.

They are keeping a close eye on the water levels. The 10-foot mark is usually when the creek starts to overflow.

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Heavy rain possible Friday, big drop in temperatures this weekend (11/11/22)

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