Community Corner

Delaware County Under Hurricane Warning

Delaware County is under a hurricane warning, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service has upgraded the local severe weather alerts from watches to warnings as Hurricane Irene heads north.

We could feel tropical storm conditions by Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

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

Find out what's happening in Mediawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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. 

A watch means that the weather condition is expected, but not imminent; while a warning means that the weather condition is imminent or occurring.

Find out what's happening in Mediawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

 

Upper Providence Township Prepares Residents

posted on its website that officials will be monitoring low lying areas prone to flooding and areas near Crum Creek. If evacuations are needed the Rose Tree Fire Company will be available for temporary lodging. Residents with disabilities, oxygen dependencies or other special needs especially for electrical medical equipment please contact the township offices at 610-565-4945. It is important that emergency responders have this information prior to the storm. Please call 911 for emergencies. 

Middletown Township officials will also be monitoring low lying areas and the areas near Chester Creek and Ridley Creek.

Delaware County Officials Prepare Residents for Irene

The Delaware County Council and the Director of Emergency Services urge residents to stay informed through Delco Alert, the County’s emergency notification system.

"The most important thing people can do is stay informed and be prepared," County Council Chairman Jack Whelan said.

Whelan said residents should register with Delco Alert, a countywide community warning system that provides alerts and guidance to resident through their cell phones and email. To register, just go to the County website at www.co.delaware.pa.us and click on the Delco Alert link at the bottom of the page.

Emergency Services Director Ed Truitt said the emergency management staff will be manning the Emergency Services Center all weekend, through the duration of the hurricane. He said he will also ramp up the 911 staff to accommodate an influx of emergency calls.

"I was just in touch with the National Weather Service and was told the eye of the hurricane will only be 20 miles off the coast when it hits this region, so that means we will have an inundation of rain and high winds," Truitt said.

Earlier this week, Truitt sent reminders to all municipalities to ensure that all storm sewers are clear to prevent flooding.

"There could be flooding. We are in constant touch with PennDOT regarding our roads and bridges," Truitt said. "Because the ground is already so saturated and high winds are expected, there could be downed trees and power outages."

Report trees blocking roadways to 911 and power outages and lines down to PECO at 800-494-4000. Do not call 911 for information only use it for emergencies. Dry ice is available through private supplies, not the county.


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