Governor Declares State of Emergency in Pennsylvania

Governor Tom Corbett (R-PA) has declared a state of emergency throughout the Commonwealth of 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.’’

The Governors of Delaware and New Jersey have signed similar declarations in anticipation of Hurricane Irene.

Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties were under a tropical storm warning Friday afternoon. Philadelphia and Delaware County were under a hurricane warning.

Forecasts Friday afternoon indicate the storm will hit its highest intensity here Saturday night and into Sunday with winds gusts of 60 mph or more. Irene is expected to dump up to 10 inches of rain on Southeastern Pennsylvania, where the ground is already saturated from the wettest August in recorded weather history.

The National Weather Service and the Governor’s Office are warning residents that these conditions could lead to downed trees and utility wires, resulting in major power outages and flash flooding.

Resources:

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