Post-tropical cyclone Debby brings wind and rain to the Poconos
Debby, now a post-tropical cyclone, will bring wind and rain to the Poconos on Friday, August 9, 2024.
At the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Bushkill, Pennsylvania, all access points within the park and access to the river will remain closed until rising water levels recede.
The National Park Service said Saturday that the Delaware River was expected to peak at 17 feet in the afternoon before receding over the weekend. Water levels would need to drop below 15 feet before access points could reopen.
When the river reaches those levels, hazards increase, including stronger currents, reduced visibility, lower water temperatures and more sediment and debris, the NPS said in a news release. Submerged trees or plants can also catch vessels and people as water levels rise, trapping them and making whitewater rescues “extremely dangerous” for rescuers.
Once the river and access points reopen, visitors will be required to wear a “properly fitted and fastened U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket” on all watercraft at all times until river levels drop below 8 feet (2.44 m), the NPS said in its press release.
Those who want to check river levels can visit the Delaware River at Montague (noaa.gov). Visitors can also call the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area at 570-426-2452 or visit nps.gov/dewa.
