WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Officials in northeastern Pennsylvania are calling for a mandatory evacuation of all communities due to expected flooding along the Susquehanna River — an area that was inundated in the historic Agnes flood of 1972.
The order affects more than 100,000 residents.
Luzerne County Management Agency official Frank Lasiewicki tells the Associated Press Thursday the river is projected to crest at 41 feet between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday — the same height as the levee system protecting riverfront communities including Wilkes-Barre and Kingston.
Residents were ordered to leave by 4 p.m.
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton says residents should prepare for an extended evacuation of 72 hours and advised them to take clothing, food and prescription medicine. He also asked city businesses to close their doors by noon.
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