The pitter-patter of drizzling rain started in the Bristol area just after 2:30 am Wednesday morning, but forecasters are saying the remnants of Hurricane Ida are expected to drench and flood Lower Bucks, later today and Thursday, with up to 6 inches of rain in some areas.

With Neshaminy Creek water levels predicted to rise to record breaking levels, from under 2 feet to just above 13.5 feet by Thursday, public safety officials are warning  residents throughout the area for the potential impacts of the storm which is expected to bring thunderstorms too. 

Ida is predicted to bring “significant” flash flooding to the area, the National Weather Service says even with its recent downgrading to a tropical depression.

The flash flood warning for the area goes into effect beginning at 8 am today and lasting until Thursday morning, Meteorologists say.

“The several inches of rain we are expecting with Ida’s remnants on Wednesday would cause hydro problems in almost any situation. These problems will likely be enhanced (particularly over the north) due to the very wet month we have had, as most areas are running well above normal,” said NWS Mt Holly in a social media post.

In advance of the storm, Emergency Managers have been reaching out to residents in their areas, alerting and informing residents in efforts to urge caution.

Bristol Borough Emergency Manager, Merle Winslow called residents in the area who were flooded out during the July storms, commenters shared on a community Facebook page.

Lower Makefield Chief of Police and Emergency Manager, Ken Coluzzi said the municipalities emergency center will be active as of 7 am this morning and anyone with questions or concerns can call 215-493-4055

“Lower Makefield residents are urged to use extreme caution during this weather event and limit use of low-lying areas and heavily tree lined roads. Vehicles should avoid use of River Road. Motorist should not drive through flooded roadway or near any downed electrical lines. Do not drive around road closure signs” said Coluzzi.

Falls Township Police urged residents to stay at home and off the roadways in a public safety advisory posted Tuesday.

“Police is encouraging our residents to stay home and avoid travel if possible.   If you do have to travel, please allow time, expect debris in roadway, have alternate routes, and avoid any areas that could be flooding.  Do not drive through streets or roadways if they are flooding” they said.

On Monday, Lower Bucks Source, ran into Bensalem Mayor Joseph D. DiGirolamo at the Golden Eagle Diner.

The Mayor said during a brief exchange,  we’re getting prepared for the storm and hoping it misses us. We got hit real bad last time. 

DiGirolamo echoed that sentiment Tuesday evening with a video statement to the township.

“We do know a lot of rain is coming our way and we’re getting prepared for it…with public works employees cleaning out the drainage system…and our emergency systems are in place and ready to go,” he said.

You can follow Lower Bucks Source live coverage of the storm and its impacts on our Facebook page by clicking here.

Feel free to submit your storm related pictures and videos also to the LBS Facebook page.

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