The rain is over, but flood dangers persist in Philly region

The Wednesday deluge throughout the Philadelphia region has left lingering flooding problems. As cleanup from the massive storm continues, officials are warning about a continued danger.

A record 4.81 inches of rain fell in Philadelphia, swelling creeks and rivers, and making parts of the city look like Venice.

First responders conducted 15 rescue operations, saving people stranded in swift currents, Mayor Michael Nutter said. The deluge caused a steam pipe to fail, knocking out traffic signals in Center City.

“Creeks and streams are still dangerous with very swift-moving water,” Nutter said Thursday. “Parents,  please, and other adults community members, please tell your children and others not to play around streams and creeks at this time.”

Department of Licenses and Inspections Commissioner Carlton Williams said that even though the storm is over, his office is keeping a close eye on empty or abandoned properties.

“When buildings absorb that much water in that short a period of time, it can increase the likelihood of a collapse, especially in vacant properties,” he said.

Most of the flooding hit customary locations, such as Manayunk.

Bill Turner, watch officer at Chester County emergency management, said more than 62 people were rescued from vehicles overnight, most after driving past closed road signs and barriers. Meanwhile, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania reports three dozen people at a shelter at a local high school.

The National Weather Service reports 6.6 inches of rain in one part of Chester County, and 5.5 inches or more fell in Delaware and Montgomery counties.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.