Irene Knocks Out Power In South Whitehall, Causes Flooding

Update 4 p.m.: Police, firefighters, street and sewer crews and other emergency management personnel worked round-the-clock to handle township problems stemming from Irene, with an Emergency Operations Center set up at the administration building.

While flooding was resolved at Cedar Crest and Hamilton boulevards early in the day, Route 309 near Lime Kiln Road remained closed because of flooding. The Jordan Creek spilled into Covered Bridge Park and onto Wehr Mill Road, forcing the road's closure.

As of 4 p.m., 1,040 customers remained without power in the township, according to PPL Electric Utilities.

Throughout the township, there were many downed trees and branch debris. One fallen tree on 34th Street near Highland Street threatened power lines.

7:30 a.m.: Irene knocked out power to 2,300 residents in South Whitehall, downed trees, and flooded basements and roads.

The township's Emergency Operations Center remained open Sunday morning, as South Whitehall continued to monitor problems and field calls. A shelter also remained open at Orefield Middle School.

No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Lt. John Christman of the South Whitehall police department said the following areas were flooded:

* Cedar Crest and Hamilton boulevards.

* Areas along Winchester Road.

* Lime Kiln and Wehr Mill roads.

He said traffic signals were out on Route 309 near Lime Kiln Road, and at 19th Street and Roth Avenue.

Overnight, crews cleared about a dozen streets of downed trees, and firefighters helped pump out a few basements. Christman said crews assist if basements fill with six inches of water or more, or if the water nears heating units.

PPL Electric Utilities reported 2,357 customers were without power since the storm hit.

Despite the problems, Christman said, "We got luckier than a lot of our neighbors.

"In South Whitehall, we were very fortunate."