BUTLER, Pennsylvania — A Flash Flood Warning is in effect right now, and tens of thousands of people need to pay attention.
The National Weather Service has issued the warning for Butler, Saxonburg, New Bethlehem, East Brady, and Sligo — and it runs until 1:45 PM EDT this Friday, August 7.
This is not a watch. This is a warning. That means flooding is either happening already or about to happen fast.
A Huge Number of People Are in the Risk Zone
The scale of this warning stands out.
More than 57,600 residents live within the warned corridor. Seventeen schools and one hospital also fall inside the flood zone — making this far more than a rural weather event.
The warning cuts diagonally across Butler, Armstrong, and Clarion Counties, stretching from Saxonburg and Butler in the southwest all the way through East Brady, Sligo, and New Bethlehem to the northeast.
If you live near Templeton, Kittanning, or Parker, pay close attention too. These communities sit right on the edge of the warned zone and could be affected even though they are just outside the official boundary.
What You Need to Do Right Now
The National Weather Service is clear on this — do not wait and see.
Move to higher ground immediately if you are in a low-lying area. Do not walk through floodwater. Do not drive through it either. Even water that looks shallow can sweep a person or a car off its feet in seconds.
Stay off the roads until the warning expires at 1:45 PM EDT. Keep local alerts open on your phone.
Flash floods move faster than most people expect. The time to act is now — not after the water starts rising.
Are you in the warned area right now? Tell us what conditions look like on the ground in the comments below.