The Susquehanna tests the Water Street Bridge in Pittston, Pa. on Sept. 8, 2011. Thanks to Duane Morris for this photo.

“This is a record flood in many areas, and people should expect the unexpected.”

Beyond the obvious danger of flooding in the mid-Atlantic, there are additional and ongoing risks to lives and property that the flooding has produced.

According to Dr. Joel N. Myers, Ph.D., Founder and President of AccuWeather.com, “This is a record flood in many areas, and people should expect the unexpected.”

Dr. Myers was referring to the risk of dams failing, levees being breached and bridges collapsing under the stress the high water and the strong flow of water was producing along area streams and rivers, and the threat to lives and property under the circumstances.

According to PennDOT, “Despite investing in a record number of repairs since 2003, Pennsylvania has the largest number of structurally deficient bridges in the nation (nearly 6,000 statewide).”

Even as large rivers in the region crest and begin to fall into the weekend, the risk of isolated downpours that can produce localized flash flooding will continue. The ground is saturated and will remain in this precarious state for days to come.

Water levels along streams, rivers and lakes will remain higher than normal for this time of the year.

Water levels will have to drop significantly before any excess amounts can be released from reservoirs.

At least by late in the weekend, the stress will be released from levees as river levels fall below major flood stage.

A house floating down the Conestoga River and smashing into a bridge in Lancaster County, Pa., (from MOPOproductions)

AccuWeather.com has received reports of sinkholes developing, due in part to the high water table and saturated surface soil.

Hundreds of roads were still under water as of Friday midday, and dozens of others have been damaged by high water and erosion. Repairs on some of the roads could take weeks to complete.

Motorists are advised to not drive across flooded roadways or on roadways where a nearby stream has eroded adjacent land. The road may have been compromised, hidden beneath the flowing water, or could give way as you drive over it.

Do not drive or walk across damaged or questionable bridges until they have been inspected and deemed safe by officials.

Stay away from earthen banks of streams or rivers which could give way at any time due to erosion and the saturated state of the ground.

Other Safety Hazards

Having been through a flood disaster myself, here are some helpful tips to consider prior to cleanup.

The flooding has caused sewage, fuel and chemical spills in some areas. Stay out of flooded or recently flooded locations until officials say it is safe to return.

Get a tetanus or booster shot prior to beginning cleanup operations. Wear protective boots, gloves and safety glasses.

If you smell gas, get out of the house and call the utility company immediately.

Only drink bottled water/beverages until water lines have been thoroughly flushed and deemed safe by officials.

AccuWeather.com expert meteorologists have the latest on the weather situation through video commentary, while rainfall can be tracked with radars on our website.

The latest river levels can be monitored at the National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction site. Click on the dots to find information on individual locations.