While most of Delaware County was spared the harshest ravages of Ida Wednesday, Chadds Ford saw historic flooding as the Brandywine Creek rose 20 feet in a few hours, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.

There were two vehicle rescues and four residential rescues, said Phil Wenrich, Chadds Ford Township Emergency management coordinator.

“Nobody was hurt and we even rescued a dog.”

This is the highest the Brandywine Creek rose in recorded history. Its next highest level was 17.9 feet after Hurricane Floyd.

Flood stage is nine feet.

 “I can only assume there is significant water damage throughout this whole area from the Museum to Hanks, post officer everything,” Weinrich said, referencing the Brandywine River Museum and Hank’s Place, a popular Chadds Ford eatery.

One man was forced onto the roof of his house overnight.

“The water was going by so fast I couldn’t  jump into it,” he said.

He called the fire department for rescue.

Andrew Votts of Chadds Ford was out looking for his 1979 Cadillac, which floated away from a repair shop.

Elsewhere in the county, storm damage closed MacDade Blvd in Darby as well as Dutton Mil, Cheyney and Gradyville roads.

Read more at the Daily Times about the aftermath of Storm Ida.

Here’s video footage of Brandywine Creek taken Sept. 2, 2021.