Published July 08. 2020 06:20PM
Several inches of heavy, windblown rain that pummeled Hometown within a span of a few hours in the early afternoon Wednesday wreaked havoc in sections of the community, causing damage to homes and businesses.
Torrential downpours started before 2 p.m. causing flash flooding and traffic issues on busy farmers market day and sent water levels in the Little Schuylkill River dramatically upward as it flowed into Tamaqua.
Among areas flooded were Claremont (Route 309) and Cumberland avenues, and Wyoming and Sunset streets. Rocks and debris also were washed onto Hometown Hill, causing dangerous driving conditions and sending police and fire officials responding.
Some homes and businesses reported interior water damage, along with substantial damage to lawns and landscaping.
Cumberland Avenue at Sunset Street in Hometown is turned into a lake Wednesday afternoon after several inches of rained pummeled the community. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Floodwaters rush down Hometown Hill on Wednesday, washing rocks and debris onto Claremont Avenue, Route 309. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Floodwaters rise at the parking area of Rita's Ice, Hometown, on Wednesday afternoon.
The swollen and muddied Little Schuylkill River makes its way past a Tamaqua supermarket Wednesday evening. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS