After one last round of lights and sirens, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s Chief Ranger Eric Lisnik will be parking his patrol vehicle for the last time on Dec. 15 as he prepares for his retirement later in the month. Lisnik will retire on Dec. 31 after a lifelong career working in parks.
The combination of strong winds, high humidity and daytime temperatures, along with the heavy rainfall, will cause rapid snow melt and could lead to flash flooding on streams and in low-lying areas and in areas with poor drainage.
The storm is also forecast to drop nearly as much rain in parts of Pennsylvania and New York which were hit with up to four feet of snow last week. Those areas drain into the upper Delaware River which then flows downstream through the park.
There will be a swift rise in water levels within the Delaware River corridor over the next 36 hours.
Park service urges safety during Christmas storm
Bushkill. Strong winds, heavy rain, and snow melt could lead to flash flooding and power outages in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. | 24 Dec 2020 | 03:37 The Delaware River Valley from the top of Tusten Mountain on Sunday (Photo by Pamela Chergotis)
Are you planning to take a trip over the river and through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in the next few days? If so, park rangers suggest checking the park’s website or Facebook page for updated information and current conditions, including road and facility closures, before you head out.
A long period of moderate to heavy rain is expected throughout the area, beginning this afternoon and continuing into early Christmas morning. Forecasters are calling for rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 3 inches with localized amounts up to 4 possible. Strong winds with gusts of 40 to 50 mph could cause scattered power outages and downed trees. The combination of st