Hurricane Ida's Destruction In Phoenixville: Reflections 1-Year Later

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — A year ago, Phoenixville residents were feverishly cleaning up the severe flooding damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

In the first week of September 2021, historic flooding caused by Hurricane Ida left a path of destruction throughout the region.

Local emergency responders rescued 195 people, many from their vehicles or from the roofs of their homes.

An estimated 80 cars were under water.

After the storm, over 537 residents from Chester and Montgomery counties were left homeless and living in hotels.

The bridge connecting Mont Clare to Phoenixville was closed.

Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler described Ida as the most destructive storm since Hurricane

Agnes in 1972.

But the residents survived. There were no fatalities in Phoenixville.

“It's amazing when I look back, a year later, on the terrible devastation caused by Hurricane Ida,” Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler said Wednesday during a celebration honoring first responders at the new Phoenixville Fire Station, 150 Paradise St.

“But, more so, when I remember all the large and small things that so many people did to help each other to recover and get their lives back.

After the storm subsided, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat, urged President Biden to swiftly declare a federal state of emergency so federal resources could be made available to impacted areas.

Houlahan said Wednesay the community could not be more engaged and supportive.

“I will never forget seeing the destruction of the floodwaters in Phoenixville the morning after Hurricane Ida struck," Houlahan recalled.

"As we walked through the community, an officer shared with me that it was the toughest day he’s had on the job in his 25 years of service—that tells you something about how our first responders were impacted.”

Phoenixville Fire Chief Eamon Brazunas said the volunteers and staff of the department responded to numerous emergencies throughout the region.

“The investment in training and equipping our personnel to properly deal with water rescue incidents paid off as no lives were lost during this devastating storm,” Brazunas said.

“Water rescue response preparedness will continue to be a high priority for the department.”

Police Chief Brian Marshall said emergency responders hoped for the best and prepared for the worst.

“I’m extremely proud of our fire department’s efforts and commitment to saving lives and rescuing victims from their homes and vehicles during the storm’s water surge,” Marshall said.

“Last year, basic needs were cherished and truly appreciated by those in need.” the police chief said.

“How do you begin to help thousands in need at the same time? To quote Walt Disney, ‘The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.’ That is Phoenixville’s mantra and I’m so proud to be a part of this team.”

The chief expressed appreciation to Karin Williams, emergency management coordinator, for her tireless efforts.

Williams recalled how the school district opened its doors as an emergency shelter in conjunction with the National Guard.

"Our non-profits began cooking for first responders, and after clean up in the borough was well underway, our residents began walking across the bridge to help our neighbors in Mont Clare and Port Providence," Williams said.