Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services

UPDATE 2: As of 3:22, an additional ‼️ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING ‼️ has been issued, until 4:00pm.

UPDATE: As of 2:47pm, a ‼️SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING ‼️ is in effect until 3:30pm.

A ⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Watch ⚠️ is in effect until 7pm tonight. Isolated severe thunderstorms ⛈️ are possible today. Lebanon County is under a slight risk (2/5). The main hazards will be gusty winds 🌬️and heavy downpours ☔️. If you have outdoor activities planned, be aware that conditions may change rapidly.

UPDATE 2: As of 5:57pm, a ‼️ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING ‼️ has been issued for Lebanon County, until 6:45pm.

HAZARD: 70mph wind gusts.

UPDATE: ⚠️As of 4:38pm, a TORNADO WATCH has been issued for Lebanon County until 8pm. ⚠️

Much of central PA is in a slight risk (level 2/5) for severe weather today. Several storms ⛈️ may create damaging wind gusts 🌬️. A few storms may be
capable of producing brief tornadoes 🌪️. The threat will peak this afternoon and evening.

Storms ⛈️ are predicted to cross the region Sunday, as well, with the passage of a cold front. The primary threat should be damaging wind gusts.

As always, keep your eyes on the sky, if you have outdoor activities planned today and tomorrow!
👀⬆️⛈️

Severe thunderstorms (2/5) ⛈ are forecasted to move through the area this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds 🌬 are the primary hazard, with hail ☄️ and isolated flooding 🌊 possible.

As always, make sure you have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts! 📱📺📻

For the latest forecast: https://www.weather.gov/ctp/

As a result of the power outages:

West Lebanon Township has opened a cooling station, for Township residents, at Speedwell Fire Company at 324 N 22nd Street. The cooling station will remain open until power is restored in West Lebanon Township. THIS COOLING STATION WILL BE CLOSING AT 5PM, AS POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED TO WEST LEBANON.

Bethel Township has opened a cool station, for Township residents, at Fredericksburg Community Center at 125 S Tan Alley, Fredericksburg, PA. The cooling station will remain open until power is restored in Bethel Township. THIS COOLING STATION HAS CLOSED.

We’d like to say the end is in sight, but that is not the case. The ⚠️Heat Advisory⚠️ has been extended through Saturday, June 22nd until 8pm, as conditions are expected to remain hot and humid through the weekend🔥🥵.

Heat safety tips:
•🥗🫗Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
•❌🍺Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
•➡️🏠Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.

For more heat safety information: https://www.heat.gov/
For the latest forecast: https://www.weather.gov/ctp/

A ⚠️Heat Advisory⚠️ is in effect until Friday, June 21st at 8pm. Daily temperatures will be near or above 90°F, and heat index readings will be near or even top 100°F each afternoon🥵.

If you have to be outside:
•Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
•Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
•Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

For more information: https://www.heat.gov/

The first heat wave of the summer is here ☀️! Temperatures are expected to be in the 90’s all week, with heat index values exceeding 100F °F 🔥. ⚠️A Heat Advisory⚠️ is in effect tomorrow, Tuesday, June 18th from 12pm to 8pm.

To prevent heat-related illnesses:
•Avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun.
•Make sure to hydrate with water throughout the day and avoid sugary beverages or drinks with caffeine which can affect your body’s ability to cool off.

For more information: https://www.heat.gov/

Last night 6/13/2024, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency was in Lebanon County to conduct Deputy Director Gary Verna’s County Emergency Management Coordinator Certification Exercise. This involved a disaster that occurred that affected all of Lebanon County and required the activation of the County Emergency Operations Center. This did not only involve the staff of the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services, but staff from the County Planning Office, County Assessment Office, County GIS, Lebanon County Special Operations, and the County Commissioners Office, with all 3 County Commissioners participating.

Stakeholders involved in staffing the EOC were from WellSpan GSH, the National Weather Service, Lebanon School District, Cornwall-Lebanon School District, Lebanon Transit, South Lebanon Township Fire Department, Lebanon City Emergency Management, Lebanon County Western Regional Emergency Management, Millcreek Township Emergency Management, The Red Cross, First Aid and Safety Patrol, the Department of Health, Search Team 66, the Department of Environmental Protection, Energy Transfer, North Lebanon Township Police Department, North Cornwall Township Police Department, Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Lebanon County Amateur Radio Club.

The dedication to the safety of the citizens, businesses, and transients of Lebanon County was evident last night. We faced multiple incidents and multiple resource requests that were all handled with very little issues. This was a true team effort, and we thank everyone involved for their participation!

A line of thunderstorms ⛈ will develop today as a cold front pushes Southeast through the area. Some of the storms this evening may be strong to severe. Damaging wind gusts 🌬 and large hail ☄️ will be the primary threats. Remember when thunder roars, head indoors. ⛈➡️🏠

Strong to severe thunderstorms ⛈ (2/5) are expected to move through the area tomorrow afternoon. Isolated damaging wind gusts 🌬 60+ mph are the primary hazard and may produce tree damage and localized power outages. If you have outdoor activities planned, make sure you have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts. 📱📺📻

As summer temperatures settle in, remember: NEVER leave your pets in a vehicle. Heat can be deadly for our furry friends. Stay vigilant and keep them safe during Pet Preparedness Month and beyond.🐶❌🚗

💧National on May 31st every year is in memoriam of the 2,220 people who lost their lives in the of 1889. Make a difference in your community and join FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency in support of National Dam Safety Awareness Day
https://fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/dam-safety/awareness-day
5/31/24|1203pm

⚠️Severe thunderstorms⚠️this afternoon and evening have the potential to produce damaging winds🌬️, hail☄️, an isolated tornado🌪️, and flash flooding🌊. The most likely timing for severe weather is between noon-8PM today, although there is uncertainty on where storms develop.

⚡️ Thunderstorms could impact any outdoor activities expected today. Be weather aware, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and know where to shelter if you are outdoors today. ⛈️➡️🏠

Tomorrow, an initial 1️⃣ round of showers and thunderstorms during the morning hours are expected across central PA. A second 2️⃣ round of showers and thunderstorms ⛈️ during the afternoon and evening hours will be more widespread and bring the potential for severe weather (2/5) and flooding 🌊.

Be sure to stay weather aware tomorrow, and make sure you have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts 📱📺📻.

Make sure you have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts, if you have outdoor activities planned for this holiday weekend! ⛈️📱📺📻

NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane🌊 season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, is expected to have⚠️ above-normal⚠️ activity due to a multitude of factors.

🚨The time to prepare is now!🚨

For the full report: https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-above-normal-2024-atlantic-hurricane-season

For preparedness tips: https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan

We are just 10 days away from the start of Hurricane Season! Preparing for hurricane season means understanding how to read forecasts. They provide crucial information about the storm's projected path, rainfall, wind speeds, and more. With plenty of data available days in advance, it's vital to grasp what it all means. Empower yourself with knowledge and be ready to respond effectively.

Shoutout to our amazing police departments for keeping our community safe and sound! As your dispatch center, we’ve got your back 24/7. 📞👮‍♂️

Despite the various threats hurricanes pose, a significant number of deaths are attributed to inland flooding. Heavy rainfall extending hundreds of miles inland can inundate streams, lakes, and rivers, causing devastating flooding. In Pennsylvania, tropical cyclones have caused historic floods. While Hurricane Ida's recent flooding is fresh in memory, Hurricane Agnes (1972) and Tropical Storm Lee (2011) also left their mark on the Keystone State. A poster from the US National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center illustrates rainfall from these events.

🌪️ Stay Safe During Tornado Warnings! 🌪️

When a tornado warning is issued, it's crucial to act fast. Remember these life-saving tips:

1. Head to a safe place: Interior rooms, basements/cellars, or bathrooms offer the best protection.
2. If you're caught outdoors, find the lowest area and lie flat, covering your head with your arms.
3. Stay informed! For more tornado safety info and updates, visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado

🌟 Dispatcher Spotlight 🌟

Today, we're honored to highlight Breanna, one of our extraordinary dispatchers! Her recent heroic act showcases her quick thinking and dedication to our community's safety.

In a critical moment, Breanna's calm guidance helped save a child who was choking. Her compassion and professionalism were crucial in ensuring a positive outcome.

Breanna's unwavering commitment to serving others embodies the spirit of our team. Thank you for your outstanding service and for making a real difference in our community!

🌟 Dispatcher Spotlight 🌟

Today, we're thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our remarkable dispatchers, Logan! His recent heroic act showcases his exceptional skill and dedication to keeping our community safe.

In a critical moment, Logan's swift and decisive actions guided a caller through CPR over the phone, resulting in a successful lifesaving intervention. His clear instructions and calm demeanor were crucial factors in ensuring a positive outcome.

Logan's unwavering commitment to serving others in their time of need truly embodies the spirit of our dispatch team. His lifesaving heroics are a testament to his remarkable character and professionalism.

Logan, your quick thinking and lifesaving actions make us incredibly proud. Thank you for your outstanding service and for making a real difference in our community!

🌟 Dispatcher Spotlight 🌟

Today, we're highlighting Samantha, one of our exceptional dispatchers, for her recent lifesaving intervention. When faced with a critical situation, Samantha's quick and clear guidance over the phone resulted in a life being saved.

Samantha's calm demeanor and expert instructions were instrumental in the successful outcome. Her dedication to helping others in their time of need truly embodies the spirit of our dispatch team.

Samantha, your quick thinking and unwavering dedication exemplify the best of our team. Thank you for your outstanding service and for positively impacting our community every day!

🌟 Dispatcher Spotlight 🌟

Today, we're shining the spotlight on one of our extraordinary dispatchers, Jason! In February, Jason demonstrated exceptional skill and courage when he helped deliver a baby girl over the phone. Talk about a real-life superhero moment!

In a high-pressure situation, Jason remained calm, composed, and guided the caller through the delivery process with expertise and reassurance. His quick thinking and unwavering dedication ensured a safe arrival for both mother and baby.

Jason, your bravery and compassion exemplify the best of our team. Thank you for your outstanding service and for making a significant impact in our community every day!

🎉📞 Happy 911 Telecommunicator Week! 📞🎉

This week, we're sending a huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks to the unsung heroes who keep our community safe behind the scenes - our 911 telecommunicators! You're the wizards of the radio, the geniuses of the phone lines, and the calming voices in the storm.

To our telecommunicators: words can't express our gratitude for the incredible work you do day in and day out. You're the backbone of emergency services, the ones who turn chaos into order with skill, grace, and unwavering dedication.

Thank you for being the calm in the chaos and the voice of reason when chaos calls!

🚒🚓📞

A line of severe thunderstorms⛈️ is expected to develop and move East/Southeast, through the area late this evening. Damaging winds🌬️ are the most likely threat to occur, although given recent rains, ponding on roadways🌊 may occur during the storms, as well. The threat of severe weather ends by 11PM tonight.

Thunderstorms⛈ are expected to move through the area tomorrow evening into Friday. The main threats from these storms are heavy rain🌧 and gusty winds🌬. The ⚠️flood risk⚠️ is greatest on Thursday, as the region has seen much rain in the past couple of weeks. Gusty winds and rain showers continue through the day on Friday, before pulling away early Saturday, making way for the next system bringing rainfall on Sunday.

911 Dispatchers Wanted: Be the hero on the other end of the line! Answer the call, save lives, and make a real difference in your community. Join our team today and be the voice of hope in every emergency! Apply today at: www.lebanoncountypa.gov