Mercer and Venango counties are under a flood warning until 2 a.m. Saturday, April 26, as steady, soaking rain keeps rivers and streams on edge. The National Weather Service fired off the alert early Saturday, pointing to excessive rainfall that’s already swamping low-lying areas and closing roads. This isn’t a drill—flooding is either happening now or about to, and folks in these counties need to stay sharp.
The warning zeroes in on Mercer and western Venango, where creeks, streams, and rivers are swelling fast. Doppler radar tracked heavy downpours overnight, dumping enough water to spark flash flooding in spots. Roads are turning into hazards, some already blocked off, and the weather service is hammering one message: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flood deaths happen when drivers try to muscle through waterlogged roads, and with visibility dicey at night, the risk is even higher. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet; a foot can sweep a car away.
The ground’s already saturated from days of wet weather, and this latest round is pushing things to the brink. Low-lying areas, urban streets, and spots near drainage ditches are especially vulnerable. If you’re in a flood-prone zone, the advice is clear: get to higher ground, pronto. Emergency services are on standby, and anyone caught in rising water should climb to the highest point and dial 911.
This isn’t the first time these counties have faced nature’s wrath this spring. On April 12, a similar flood warning covered Mercer, Venango, and nearby areas, with rivers and streams spilling over from heavy runoff. Back then, the weather service noted numerous road closures and urged drivers to slow down and stick to middle lanes where water tends to pool less. The region’s been slammed by a wet April, with some areas seeing 6 to 12 inches of rain over the first week alone, setting the stage for trouble whenever storms roll in.
For now, the focus is on staying safe. Avoid culverts and drainage ditches—swift water can yank you away in seconds. If you’re driving, ease off the gas, keep extra distance from the car ahead, and don’t brake hard on slick roads. The rain’s expected to taper off after midnight, but until then, Mercer and Venango residents are in for a tense few hours.
The flood warning remains in effect until 2:45 a.m. Saturday, April 26, for Mercer and Venango counties. Flash flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying areas is imminent or occurring. Numerous roads are closed due to flooding.