Bensalem Braces For Another Storm

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —It’s all hands on deck for the Bensalem Public Works Department.

The department is preparing for the second storm of the week, which is expected to arrive Friday night.

While the predicted rainfall will be less than the storm earlier this week, public works officials are more worried about the strong winds that may come.

Bensalem Township Public Works Director Tim Schultz had told Patch that the township has more salt and sand on hand —over 4,000 tons —than at any other time in its history. And he has it stashed everywhere.

He said the township has two salt domes which both hold 1,500 tons of salt a piece. Then he has 500 tons stored for emergency purposes at Firefighters Field. Then, through the township's relationship with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, has another 600 tons stored in a nearby PennDOT facility.

The township services 144 miles of roads, Schultz said.

Tuesday's storm dumped heavy rainfall on the township, causing flooding in some areas. That followed a storm last weekend in which the region saw some snow.

"Once again, our Public Works and Police Force meet the challenges faced when these storms hit our area," the public works department said.

PECO crews (1-800-841-4100) are also prepared as well.

A storm will bring heavy rain and wind to the area on Friday evening, with up to 1.5 inches of rain falling in the greater Philadelphia area, the National Weather Service said.

Winds will be severe in some areas, with wind gusts up to 44 miles per hour Friday night into Saturday morning.

Anyone with storm-related issues should call 215-633-3733 or 215-633-3980.

Leave a detailed message with all pertinent information and a representative will assist you as soon as they can.