What Ida Left Behind In PA: Businesses, Homes, Roads Destroyed

PENNSYLVANIA — As the mud falls from walls, as the tree limbs and wires are cleared from roadways, as the water finally recedes from riverfront and creekside roads and homes, the final toll of the remnants of Hurricane Ida on the greater Philadelphia region is becoming clear.

The state estimates that at least $117 million in damages were incurred when the devastating storm swept through the area last week. It brought all-time record flooding to the Schuylkill River and the Perkiomen Creek. Thousands were forced to evacuate from their homes or saw their property damaged. Businesses that never had to worry about flooding suddenly saw their livelihood several feet under muddy waters. Multiple tornadoes touched down, ripping off roofs and sending debris scattering. Anxieties over future severe weather events exacerbated by the effects of climate change are at a high. And four people are dead.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield called the storm "historic and rare."

Gov. Tom Wolf requested a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden this week, noting that the state had far surpassed the $19.7 million in storm damages which the state must show to qualify for this type of help. Should the President issue such a declaration, it would provide federal funding and services to counties and the state, as well as individuals in certain high-impacted regions.

In southeastern Pennsylvania, both Montgomery and Chester counties opened resource centers for a few days during the week that offered assistance to residents who suffered damages.

Gov. Wolf visited Montgomery County multiple times over the past week to tour flood damage in the Bridgeport area, as well as tornado damages in Upper Dublin and Horsham townships.

The recovery process continues, more than a week later.

“I remain grateful to all the first responders who risked their lives during the storm to help people, many of whom were impacted by the storm too,” Gov. Wolf said. “I also thank those who continue to provide much needed support to individuals and families who are recovering from devastating losses.”

Here's an overview of the unforgettable storm and its impacts on various parts of our region.

7 Tornadoes Confirmed In Philly Area During Ida's Historic Wrath

Last week's historic weather event saw at least seven twisters touch down in the densely populated metropolitan area. Five of those tornadoes hit southeastern Pennsylvania, with three whipping through parts of Bucks County, one in Montgomery County and another in Chester County. The tornadoes in southeastern Pennsylvania ranged in wind strength from 90 miles an hour to 130 miles per hour.

4 Montgomery County Residents Killed During Ida

Both flooding and falling trees appear to have caused the deaths. Three occurred in Montgomery County, with a fourth in Bucks.

Ida Remediation Continues At UDHS & Ft. Washington Elementary

Upper Dublin High School and Fort Washington Elementary sustained some of the most severe damage. Remediation work is taking place. "This has certainly been a Labor Day like no other," Upper Dublin School District Superintendent Steven Yanni said during a Sept. 6 status update video to the community. A large section of the roof at Fort Washington Elementary School had been damaged during the Sept. 1 tornado tied to Hurricane Ida, and roof repairs were scheduled to begin on Sept. 6.

$9.4M In Damage To Bucks Co. Public Infrastructure After Ida

County, state, and federal emergency agencies are reviewing damage to public and private infrastructure to determine funding possibilities. By Wednesday afternoon, Bucks County Emergency Management Agency had received more than 350 reports of damage from residents and businesses through its online damage reporting form, including 64 reports of major damage. These numbers are likely to change as more information is collected, officials said.

Horsham Begins Recovery Process Following Historic Storms

Horsham Township was one of those Pennsylvania municipalities hit particularly hard after Hurricane Ida came through the region last week. Around 500 homes were reportedly damaged by tornado winds or flooding, government officials told local media, and downed power lines and trees sprinkled the township.

Unbelievable Footage Of Philly Flooding After Ida

Stunning drone footage and photos captured by a Roxborough resident shows just how impactful flooding from Hurricane Ida's remnants was on the Schuylkill River.

Volunteers Give Time, Supplies To Help Lambertville After Ida

Half of Lambertville homes sustained damage of some kind in the disaster — Mayor Julia Fahl described an "increasing number of homes with critical flood damage." At least 25 families were displaced from their homes when the city endured more than 11 inches of rainwater — and a Delaware River that rose above its flood stage twice in 36 hours.