Officials Monitoring Ice-Covered Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre

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Officials in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania are closely monitoring the Susquehanna River as it has risen to 19 feet over the weekend, just 3 feet below flood stage. The river is currently covered in ice and not moving, though it did drop a couple of feet overnight. Even if the river hits flood stage, only low-lying, uninhabited areas would take on water as the levee system protects much of the Wyoming Valley until the river reaches 41 feet.

Why it matters

The Susquehanna River is a major waterway in Pennsylvania, and officials must closely monitor its levels to ensure public safety, especially during periods of heavy rain or ice buildup that can lead to flooding. Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding Wyoming Valley region have experienced significant flooding in the past, making the current river conditions a concern for local authorities.

The details

The Susquehanna River rose to 19 feet over the weekend, just 3 feet below the flood stage. The river is currently covered in ice and not moving, though it did drop a couple of feet overnight. Even if the river hits flood stage, only low-lying, uninhabited areas would take on water as the levee system protects much of the Wyoming Valley until the river reaches 41 feet.

• The river rose to 19 feet over the weekend.
• The river dropped a couple of feet overnight.