A stream floods a community in northern Indiana County during a tropical storm. Debby pours down the rain….
In the town of Clymer in northern Indiana County, up to 200 people were forced to leave their homes and places of business on Friday due to Tropical Storm Debby’s heavy rains, which caused Two Lick Creek to overflow its banks.
On Friday night, the Clymer Fire Department was evaluating the damage to its social hall, which was flooded to a depth of three feet. The similar chore awaited many homeowners who were returning to their houses when the floodwaters subsided.
High water caused parts of major routes, such as Route 403 and Route 286 to close, according to Clymer fire chief Brett Gromley.
According to Gromley, four people were rescued by rapid water rescue teams using boats. Two of the victims were stranded in their cars, and the other two had their homes engulfed in water. Medics examined one of the rescued individuals, but he stated there were no other injuries recorded.
Tate’s Supermarket on Fourth Street, the Sheetz store on Route 286 and some banks were among businesses that were evacuated, he said. Those who were displaced sheltered during the day at the local American Legion hall, with assistance from the Red Cross.
“Multiple businesses and community members donated pizzas for them to eat,” Gromley said.
Close to 20 neighboring fire departments from Indiana and Cambria counties responded to help, beginning at about noon. Firefighters had basement floodwater pumped out and power restored to affected homes by about 9:30 p.m.
“We pumped 20 or 30 basements,” Gromley said, though he noted some homes saw water rise to the first floor.
Clymer firefighters had been called to a structure fire at about 9 a.m. on Hood School Road in neighboring Rayne Township. They returned to find lower areas of town underwater — including their social hall.
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