With so much water all around, these horses at Castle Rock Farm in Pocopson Township have plenty of time for reflection. Photo by Dave Lichter

The water is receding, and now the necessary mop-up will begin. And if county officials had their way, no one would be on the roads right now since many sections remain closed and the recovery will take some time.

The heavy rains – Chester County is reporting 5.5 inches – necessitated 120 road closures, 62 water rescues, and three residential rescues. First-responders throughout the county revved up into overdrive: The Department of Emergency Services (DES) recorded 233 fire incidents and 1,014 police incidents.

Fortunately, the county reported no injuries; however, evacuations occurred at the Avondale Apartments in Avondale, Meredith Court in Modena, the 100 block of Pratts Dam Road in West Brandywine, four to five homes on Cottage Lane in East Bradford, 70 homes on Icedale Road in West Brandywine and Honey Brook Townships, and Saw Mill Road off of Mortonville in East Fallowfield. In addition to the flooded roads, a sinkhole opened up in Caln Township at Wedgewood Road and U.S. 30.

Kennett Square Police Chief Edward A. Zunino Jr. said the flood-prone borough was not as hard-hit as expected. He said the borough only had to shut down the 300 block of East South Street at the basketball courts  late Wednesday afternoon. Usually the first section to flood, it reopened this morning, he said.  

Police Chief Gerald R. Simpson said all New Garden Township roads are passable, with a minor restriction on Walnut Run for wires that are still blocking one lane. He said the ponding has disappeared and the Public Works Department is working to clean vegetation and other debris from roads.  He suggested that residents should still use caution when travelling on the roads following the storm, which often causes potholes to reopen or enlarge. 

County officials said the Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford crested at 16.05 feet overnight; flood stage is nine. The East Branch of the Brandywine in Downingtown crested at 13.5 feet, 6.5 feet above flood stage. Officials stress that although the water is falling, the process is slow and may take until Friday, May 2.

The Brandywine continued to be well beyond its banks Thursday, from East Bradford south to Chadds Ford. Here a snack shack remains partially submerged at the Brandywine Picnic Park in East Bradford.

In the meantime, the county urges residents to observe any posted road closure signs and barricades. It is illegal in Pennsylvania to knowingly drive around them, and violators could face two points added to their driver’s license and a fine up to $250.

If you have a flooded basement, the DES web site – www.chesco.org/des – has a list of restoration contractors who can help.  A Flood Recovery Guide is available at http://goo.gl/tFfjPw.