A reprise of the Aug. 3 tropical storm Isaias unfolded Aug. 7, along Lehigh Street, at South Mall.

What began as a gentle rain turned into a downpour resulting in a flash flood in front of South Mall that trapped five motorists among three vehicles. Rescuers from three fire companies, Western Salisbury, Eastern Salisbury and Emmaus fire departments coordinated their efforts to help the five to safety during the 5 p.m. hour.

The intersection at Lehigh Street and 33rd St. SW is notorious for flash floods, being the low spot at four intersecting roadways. One motorist said the rapidly rising water seemed “to come out of nowhere.” Water rushing into the intersection carried debris which blocked storm drains causing water to rise quickly.

Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company Fire Chief Joshua Wells was first on the scene and quickly called for mutual aid from Eastern Salisbury and Emmaus. Fire police from Eastern Salisbury blocked traffic at 24th and Lehigh streets and an Emmaus engine blocked eastbound Lehigh Street traffic until its crew repositioned to rescue occupants from a vehicle stranded in front of Scott Mazda automobile dealership. Two Emmaus Ambulance units stood by.

Rescuers donned flotation devices before wading into the intersection to assist the stranded motorists.

When Eastern Salisbury’s high-clearance forestry truck arrived on the scene, Eastern Salisbury Chief Ian Dodson directed the vehicle operator to pick up Western Salisbury firefighters, then back the rig into the floodwater to help evacuate a vehicle in the deepest part of the intersection.

Much of the rushing water comes from the South Mountain side of 33rd Street. Flood debris in the roadway made 33rd Street almost impassable from Emmaus Avenue to Lehigh Street. Wells contacted the Salisbury Township public works director who dispatched a team to the roadway.

Following well-drilled safety protocols, the firefighters were able to effect the multiple rescues with no injuries to motorists or firefighters.