Flooding concerns after record snow in Lehigh Valley

PALMER TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- The concern has moved from the record amount of snow from the blizzard to flooding in Palmer Township, Northampton County.

More than half of the 31 inches of snow that fell on the Lehigh Valley a week and a half ago has since melted.

But the snowpack that remains, combined with the expected inch to an inch and a half of rain, and a high temperature of near 60 degrees, has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch for Lehigh County.

The Delaware and Lehigh rivers are not expected to crest above flood stage so the real concern is for local creeks, streams, and poor drainage areas.

Lehigh County Emergency Services Director Scott Lindenmuth says the other concern is poor drainage areas.

"What we don't want to see through the course of this particular storm, the next day into tomorrow morning, is should there be any ponding on roadways that people try to drive through them," Lindenmuth said.

The flood watch remains in effect until 5 p.m. Thursday.