L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – Sharon Colson has lived on Laurel Lane in Lower Macungie Township for nearly four decades, and she’s become accustomed to the streets – and even her own home – flooding.
“Every time there is very heavy rain, there is severe flooding from Spring Creek up to Woodbine and Laurel,” she said.
For people like Colson who live in areas that frequently flood, it’s often just a matter of time before the first rain arrives.
“Everyone at Spring Creek gets it,” she said.
People living near Spring Creek are preparing for flooding, which typically results in road closures and debris from the creek even entering some backyards.
“It’s a shame because we’ve been here for 38 years and it’s getting worse instead of better,” Colson said.
Another neighbor who lives a few blocks away on the corner of Spring Creek and Woodbine Road told 69 News that her backyard often looks like a creek itself.
Colson says the situation has likely gotten worse as the area has become more developed in recent decades.
“I’ve seen a lot of washed-up debris,” she said. “I’ve been saying for many, many years that it would take an act of Congress to get the Army Corps of Engineers out and dredge that creek again, it’s so silted up.”
The Town of Lower Macungie told 69 News that workers regularly clean drains and build barricades in frequently flooded areas so they can be quickly moved in the event of flooding.
In the South Whitehall community, parts of which are also at risk of minor flooding, 69 News was told workers are preparing for the storm by setting up barricades, clearing drains and ensuring staff are on site.
However, Colson herself is not worried. Years ago, the water level in her basement was 20 centimeters.
“It was really bad back then,” she said. “Really bad. We had thousands of dollars worth of damage.”
However, Colson has now installed two pumps – and says she will only respond to flooding if it is absolutely necessary.
“If I have to go out, I know how to get through the settlement,” she said. “And if I don’t have to go out, I stay at home.”
The Lehigh County Department of Emergency Management continues to monitor the weather and wants everyone to stay prepared. For tips on how to prepare, check out the PA Emergency Preparedness Guide here.
