Heavy Storms Leave Dozens Homeless In Philadelphia Area

PHILADELPHIA — Dozens of people were displaced after a series of thunderstorms produces heavy winds Saturday that damaged homes and infrastructure throughout the Philadelphia area.

At least 43 people lost their homes in Philadelphia and Delaware and Montgomery counties, according to the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

On Saturday afternoon, the region experienced several "microbursts" — an air column that's pushed downward during a thunderstorm, which then bursts heavy wind in all directions. At least three happened within 20 minutes in West and South Philadelphia, according to the National Weather Service.

Over two dozen people were displaced after the roof came off a Philadelphia Housing Authority building in West Philly, significantly damaging 11 apartments, according to CBS News. Residents in those units will live in a nearby hotel for the next week or so, Kelvin Jeremiah, CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, said Saturday in a press conference.

Twelve other residents were displaced after a building was damaged on the 2400 block of Washington Avenue, officials said.

Meanwhile, a roof blew off a vacant building in West Philly, causing a brick wall to collapse and crush a vehicle on the street below.

The microbursts also sent 60 to 70 mph winds through nearby suburbs including Lower Merion, Havertown, Upper Darby and Yeadon.

Crews continue to clear the roadways of uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure and storm debris. As of Monday morning, there are 741 homes and buildings without power in Philadelphia, and nearly 1,500 in Lower Merion.