U.S. Army Corps of Engineers declares state of emergency along Monongahela River
Late Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers declared a state of emergency because of flooding conditions along the Monongahela River and its tributaries.
The emergency declaration empowers the Corps to undertake support and actions in response to the heavy rainfall that has spilled over the banks of waterways in Western Pennsylvania.
“If communities request support, we can provide assistance under this declaration,” said Al Coglio, chief of emergency management for the Corps’ Pittsburgh District.
District officials can provide technical assistance, sandbag machines, water pumps and other flood-fighting equipment.
The act does not, however, include provisions for labor, transportation or fill materials.
Flood stage projections
Local rivers appeared to have escaped major flooding.
The Monongahela River at Charleroi crested at 20.8 feet Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Flood stage is 28 feet. The Mon at Braddock was observed just under 12 feet Thursday morning and appears to be receding. The river in Elizabeth also crested Thursday at 16.37 feet. Flood stage is 20 feet.
The Youghiogheny River in Sutersville was expected to reach 14.2 feet Thursday afternoon, according to the weather service. Flood stage there is 20 feet.
To request support, communities can call 412-395-7150 or email celrp-eoc@usace.army.mil.
Patrick Varine is a TribLive reporter covering Delmont, Export and Murrysville. He is a Western Pennsylvania native and joined the Trib in 2010 after working as a reporter and editor with the former Dover Post Co. in Delaware. He can be reached at pvarine@triblive.com.
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