Heavy Rains, Expected Flooding, Affecting Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Heavy rains combined with snowmelt Thursday forced Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area officials to close some areas within the NRA where flooding was expected.

NRA Superintendent John J. Donahue said the entire river corridor, including all access points, the McDade Recreational Trail, and several roads within the NRA, were closed due to the rainfall.

Affected roads included Old Mine Road from Worthington State Forest to Millbrook Village; the unpaved section of Old Mine Road near the Van Campen Inn; and Route 615 near Flatbrookville in New Jersey, he said.

River Road in Pennsylvania was closed from Shawnee-on-Delaware to park headquarters in Pennsylvania. These closures were to remain in effect until further notice.

The Delaware River by midday Thursday measured 10.5 feet at the Montague, New Jersey gauge. The river was expected to rise to 21.6 feet at that location by Friday evening; flood stage is 25 feet. In the south end of the park, the Tocks Island gauge reads 10.8 feet and the river was expected to rise to just over 23 feet by Friday evening. Flood stage there is 21 feet, and moderate flooding was expected in that area, the NRA reported.

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch that was to remain effect through Friday evening.

Because of the severe weather, the Maple Sugaring program at Millbrook Village, scheduled for Saturday, March 12, was postponed until Saturday, March 19.

The park has setup a message line for updates on facility, road and other closures. The number is 570-426-2492. Information will also be posted on the website: www.nps.gov/dewa.