Rains wreak havoc in county

United Fire Company responded to the County Office Building Thursday night after heavy rains caused a roof drain to fail and damage in the county probation office and 911 center. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

A roof drain failed at the Susquehanna County Office Building in Montrose, causing the ceiling to fail in the probation department and dumping water on that office and into 9-1-1 Center, located on the lower level, said County Commissioner Alan Hall.
The county’s 9-1-1 is up and running and remained in operation throughout the incident, Hall said. The office will temporarily relocate into the former Montrose District Court office (the Old Jail), located on Lake Avenue, Montrose.
Hall said he expects 9-1-1 to be run out of the location for one to three weeks, but would know more after the county ascertains the level of damage to the building.
“There are a couple of inches of water in the probation department; and two to three inches in 9-1-1,” Hall said.
The Susquehanna County Office Building is located across the street from the Courthouse, on the corner of Maple Street and Public Avenue. The probation department is located on the main floor of the building, with 9-1-1 situated below it at the basement level.
United Fire Company, Montrose, plugged the drains on the roof and stopped the water from penetrating in.
“United did a great job,” Hall said.
A subcontractor was on the scene at about 7:30 p.m., Thursday, to begin clean-up work and assess the damages. Hall said the county would also be assessing damages.
PEMA was on-site Friday to assist the county.
Heavy rains ripped through the region again Sunday night into Monday morning, causing road closures and wash-outs. Damage and flooding were reported in many of the northern and western areas of the county.
Friends of Salt Springs reported on their Facebook page that over 3.5-inches of rain was collected in their rain gauge.
The rains caused flash flooding of Silver Creek which washed out the back parking lot area and ripped through the gravel floor of the Williams Pavilion. It also left debris in its wake and the Friends are looking for volunteers to help clean-up efforts.
Down the road, Franklin Forks United Methodist Church also took on water from the flash flood event. Clean-up efforts are underway as the church prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
PennDOT reported road closures and lane restrictions caused by the storm. For a complete list of travel advisories and current road conditions, visit www.511PA.com.