Watch CBS News

Schuylkill River Flooding Reaches 'Near Record Highs'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Schuylkill River is cresting Sunday afternoon at levels not seen since the 19th century. Mayor Nutter says the flooding along that river -- and near the city's creeks -- remains a threat to safety.

Mayor Nutter continues to urge residents to stay home despite the clearing skies. First, he wants the streets as clear as possible for PECO and Streets Department crews to continue their cleanup work. Second, the mayor fears that drivers could too easily become stranded in flooded out roadways:

"That is one of the reasons why we want folks to be very, very cautious. These are near record highs for the Schuylkill River that will result in major flooding."

And Nutter is giving the city's emergency response team a more than passing grade:

"We're up in the high B+ if not an A, for the effort that was done here."

City government offices and courts will open Monday.

Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.