Lancaster City, Pennsylvania, September 24, 2025
News Summary
On September 23, Lancaster City experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, prompting emergency rescues and numerous road closures. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning, predicting further rainfall that heightened flooding risks in various neighborhoods. Emergency responders were active throughout the city, conducting multiple water rescues and advising residents to avoid flooded areas and seek higher ground.
Lancaster City, Pennsylvania experienced severe flooding on September 23, 2025, prompting emergency services to conduct multiple rescues and numerous road closures throughout the area. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for central Lancaster County that is expected to remain in effect until 9:30 p.m. Rainfall amounts reportedly ranged between 1.5 and 2.5 inches across the county, with forecasts suggesting that an additional inch of rain could fall before the warning expires.
The rainfall has particularly impacted areas such as Lancaster, Columbia, Millersville, Willow Street, East Petersburg, Leola, Rothsville, Mountville, Leacock, Bareville, Washington Boro, Bird-in-Hand, Smoketown, Franklin & Marshall College, Millersville University, Lancaster Airport, and Dutch Wonderland. As a result of the downpour, flash flooding is highly probable in small creeks, urban areas, highways, and regions with inadequate drainage.
Emergency responders in Lancaster City reported receiving a significant number of flood-related calls. At approximately 6:15 p.m., fire crews successfully rescued an adult and a child from a vehicle stranded in floodwaters at the intersection of Fremont Street and Euclid Avenue. Following this, the intersection was closed as of 6:40 p.m. Firefighters were also dispatched to assist motorists stuck at the intersection of Hershey Avenue and Wabank Street. Additionally, Wabank Road in Lancaster Township was closed due to the rising floodwaters.
As of 7:13 p.m., the National Weather Service updated its flash flood warning for Lancaster County, indicating that rainfall had already accumulated between 2 and 3 inches. It projected further rainfall of 0.1 to 0.3 inches and confirmed that flash flooding was already occurring in various parts of the county. By late evening on September 23, local law enforcement had reported multiple ongoing water rescues, with rainfall totals climbing to between 3 to 5 inches in some regions and still more predicted.
Specific areas that could be prone to flooding included Ephrata, Elizabethtown, Lititz, Mount Joy, Manheim, and Marietta. Residents were urged to follow the guidance to “turn around, don’t drown” when confronted with flooded roads, as vehicle-related flood deaths frequently occur in such conditions. Additionally, those in flood-prone areas were advised to seek higher ground immediately as flash floods can strike suddenly and with significant force.
People were also cautioned against walking through floodwaters due to the dangers posed by fast-moving currents. Local authorities recommended that residents keep track of weather updates and adhere to safety guidelines to minimize risks during severe rain events.
FAQs
What caused the flooding in Lancaster City on September 23, 2025?
The flooding was caused by reported rainfall amounts between 1.5 and 2.5 inches due to thunderstorms.
How much additional rainfall is expected following the initial rain?
An additional inch of rain may fall before the flood warning is lifted at 9:30 p.m.
Which areas were primarily affected by the flash flooding?
Areas affected include Lancaster, Columbia, Millersville, and other nearby locations.
What safety measures were urged during the flood warnings?
Residents were advised to “turn around, don’t drown” and avoid walking through floodwaters due to the danger of fast-moving currents.
Key Features of Flash Flooding in Lancaster City
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Lancaster City, Pennsylvania |
| Date | September 23, 2025 |
| Rainfall Amounts | 1.5 to 2.5 inches, with up to 5 inches in some areas |
| Flash Flood Warning | Issued until 9:30 p.m. on the same day |
| Emergency Responses | Multiple rescues conducted, several roads closed |
| Safety Advisory | Residents urged to not drive or walk through floodwaters |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Abbeville and Greenwood Counties
The Storm That Won’t Quit: Severe Weather Alerts Issued
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for Greenwood Area
York County Faces Thunderstorm Alerts and Tornado Report
Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Columbia Residents
Charlotte Region Braces for Heavy Rain on Monday
Stormy Weather on the Horizon for Charlotte Residents
Additional Resources
- Lancaster Online
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- PennLive
- Google Search: Lancaster flooding September 2025
- WGAL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lancaster County
- Local 21 News
- Google News: Lancaster County flooding
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