By LAURA JAMESON ljameson@lockhaven.com
LOCK HAVEN - The Clinton County Department of Emergency Services and its partners are continuing to assess the extensive damage done by Tropical Storm Debby late last week.
Jon Plessinger, director of emergency services, provided a brief update to the Clinton County Board of Commissioners Thursday morning regarding the steps taken so far.
"Our department, along with our Emergency Management Coordinator, Scott Kemmerer, are continuing to assess the damage," Plessinger said. "People are continuing to funnel in reports."
Plessinger encouraged residents who experienced storm damage to call 570-893-4090 ext. 3459 or email eos@clintoncountypa.gov.
"That information - as far as damage to homes and businesses - is being collected and given to PEMA to do their report," he said.
Plessinger noted staff from the National Weather Service met with county employees on Aug. 30 following the storm.
"They determined that it was straight line winds through the Shade Hallow, Renovo Road and Cottage Lane area," he said. "They estimated the winds were between 80 to 85 miles per hour in that area."
Plessinger noted the weather service previously considered the winds may have been a tornado, but quickly ruled it to be straight line winds.
He added that many parts of the county - particularly Mill Hall, Flemington, Bald Eagle Township and the City of Lock Haven - saw 3-4 inches of rain in a very brief period of time which led to flash floods.
Obviously the rain (came) in a short period of time and a lot of the area's systems could not handle that," he said.
Plessinger thanked his staff and area first responders for their assistance that evening.
"We had 10-plus staff members in the 911 center and people out in the field as well. The next day, the GIS Department came to help us plot things out on a map and helped us," he said. "I want to thank everybody and (the commissioners) for the support you continue to give to us."
Commissioner Angela Harding echoed Plessingers thanks and noted the Clinton County Conservation District has also been assisting with data gathering.
