Florence could bring 'significant rain' to York County on Tuesday

If Hurricane Florence stays to the east of the Appalachian Mountains after turning northward next week, Pennsylvania could see heavy rainfall. 

Paul Head, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in State College, said if the storm takes a northeasterly track, the rain will likely arrive in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Sept. 18, and last for about 12 hours.

In an alternative scenario, Head said Florence might move north through Ohio and stay to the west of the Appalachians, sparing York County and the rest of the state from the worst of the storm's remnants.

In the latter outcome, central Pennsylvania would likely see rain showers and wind gusts up to 20 mph on Monday, Sept. 17, Head said.

"Right now, we really don’t know which is going to happen," he said. "We’ve got to get her (Florence) on shore first."

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The National Hurricane Center reported at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13, that Hurricane Florence had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, making it a Category 2 storm.

Head predicts Florence will make landfall around 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 14, near Wilmington, North Carolina.

Mike Doll, senior meteorologist with AccuWeather in State College, said it's too early to be certain if the storm will take a northeasterly or northwesterly track, but he said heavy rain could cause flooding.

Doll said the next few days will be mostly cloudy and unseasonably humid with a chance of showers.

York County spokesman Mark Walters said that as of Thursday afternoon, Sept. 13, the county doesn't plan to activate its emergency operations center,  but the administration can activate the EOC at a moment's notice if necessary.

Much of the county is still recovering from flooding caused by Aug. 31 storms.

More:York County road closures as of Monday, Sept. 10

More:Accomac Road in Hellam Township collapses

More:EDITORIAL: As storms strengthen, increase local planning

About 40 roads remain closed or restricted. Water Street in Goldsboro is the latest road to close because of flooding, Walters said.

Walters  said crews are working to repair River Drive in Hellam Township. River Drive sits at the northern end of Accomac Road, which collapsed  Sunday, Sept. 9, because of flood damage.