Flash Flood Warning Tonight: What Residents in Adams, Cumberland, and Franklin Counties Should Know

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for parts of Pennsylvania, and it’s not one of those alerts you can just scroll past.

As of 9:38 p.m., Doppler radar detected severe thunderstorms moving across the region. The areas affected include Western Adams County, Southwestern Cumberland County, and Southeastern Franklin County. The warning remains in effect until 12:45 a.m. Tuesday.

Now, what does that really mean for those of us living in or near these counties? Well, to be honest, it might mean more than just wet shoes or a few puddles on the sidewalk. Radar shows between 1 to 2 inches of rain have already fallen—and there’s more on the way. Possibly another 1 to 2 inches. That kind of rain, especially over a short time, can overwhelm even the best drainage systems.

It’s the kind of scenario where water suddenly appears where it shouldn’t. One moment the road looks fine, and then—it’s not. Streams, usually calm and slow, swell quickly. Streets flood. Underpasses fill up like bathtubs. And, depending on where you are, your basement might not be entirely safe either.

Flash flooding is already happening in some spots. In others, it’s probably just minutes away. It’s hard to be certain because these things move fast. Sometimes faster than we think.

Areas of Concern

Some of the places most likely to experience flooding include:

• Waynesboro, Shippensburg, Guilford, Carroll Valley
• Fayetteville, Wayne Heights, Mont Alto, Scotland
• Rouzerville, Cashtown, Orrtanna, Walnut Bottom
• Arendtsville, Fairfield, McKnightstown, Newburg, Quincy
• Penn State Mont Alto, Shippensburg University, Liberty Mountain Resort

Flash Flood Warning_That’s quite a list. Honestly, even just seeing some of those names—towns I’ve driven through or visited for a weekend—makes it feel more real. These aren’t abstract locations on a map. They’re communities with families, with homes and schools and narrow back roads that flood all too easily.

Why This Matters

The warning isn’t just about inconvenience. Flash floods are dangerous. Most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles. Not always because people are reckless. Often it’s just a bad judgment call in the dark—maybe someone thought they could make it across a road that looked fine just a second ago.

The problem is that floodwater hides damage. A road can be completely washed out underneath the surface. Or a shallow-looking stream may suddenly become a current strong enough to move a car.

And at night? It’s worse. Everything looks different. Reflection off the water, poor visibility, that kind of eerie stillness that doesn’t really let you assess what’s going on.

So if you’re out tonight—or even considering heading out—think again. Delay the drive. Find a higher, safer route. Or stay where you are, if that’s the safest choice.

A Few Reminders (Even If You’ve Heard Them Before)

• Turn around, don’t drown. It’s a phrase repeated often, maybe too often—but it works.
• Avoid flooded streets and underpasses. Just because someone else drove through doesn’t mean you should.
• Don’t trust your instincts alone. Water distorts what we see, and adrenaline clouds judgment.
• If you’re near a creek or stream, be alert. Especially if you’re in a low-lying or hilly area.
  

Warnings like this aren’t meant to scare. They’re meant to help. I know how easy it is to think, “It probably won’t happen here.” Or to feel slightly skeptical—maybe because it’s late, and everything seems calm from your window.

But floods don’t wait for morning. And when they happen, they happen fast. If you’re in the warned counties—Adams, Cumberland, or Franklin—please take this seriously.

And maybe check in on someone nearby, too. Just in case they haven’t heard.

Stay safe tonight.

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