AccuWeather Warning Week: How flooding is affecting the Philadelphia area and what you can do

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — In the last six months, the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia has overflowed its banks three times.

According to experts, floods in our region are occurring more and more frequently and with worrying intensity.

Abby Sullivan, Philadelphia’s acting chief of resilience, says the city is waging a coordinated fight against three types of flooding: river, tidal and freshwater.

Storm relief projects across the city include building levees in Eastwick, doubling sewer capacity in Northern Liberties, building temporary barriers to keep floodwaters out of streets or basements, and more.

There are also measures to protect against severe flooding.

Stay away from flood-prone areas during and after heavy rain. Children are particularly at risk, so keep them from playing near fast-flowing water.

If there is a risk of flooding in your area, move to higher ground immediately.

And last but not least, do not drive through flooded streets. Even a depth of just 60 cm can sweep away most vehicles.

For more information on the impacts of flooding, watch Cecily Tynan’s video above.