Governor Tom Corbett Declares State Of Emergency

Gov. Tom Corbett declared a state of emergency throughout Pennsylvania.

An emergency declaration will enable local governments to better respond to Hurricane Irene and the damage she is expected to inflict upon the Philadelphia area.

 “We are urging all Pennsylvanians to take action now to be prepared,’’ Corbett said in a press release posted to the state’s website. “We will continue to monitor this changing situation statewide and plan for all possible emergencies. Should the need arise, we will be able to help as quickly and efficiently as possible.’’

Tropical storm force winds are expected to start late Saturday night with gusts up to 70 mph, according to The National Weather Service.

Heavy and record-setting rainfall is expected Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening, resulting in flash flooding. A flood watch is in effect for the entire Philadelphia area. Philadelphia and Delaware County are under a hurricane warning, and a tropical storm warning is in effect for Chester, Montgomery and Bucks counties. SEPTA announced that it will suspend service early Sunday morning.

Regional rail service will stop even sooner. SEPTA says service will be suspended at approximately 5 p.m. Saturday on the following SEPTA Regional Rail lines:

• Wilmington/Newark
• Paoli/Thorndale
• Trenton
• Chestnut Hill West
• Airport

The National Weather Service expects Irene to bring minor to moderate damage to mobile homes. Possible siding and roof damage to other homes is also expected. They warn that loose outdoor items may be blown around and create additional damage.

PECO is preparing for downed power lines, but be prepared for outages.

Resources:

• www.511PA.com for road conditions
• www.ReadyPA.org for suggestions on preparing for emergencies