Updated
Updated · NBC Philadelphia · Jul 12
Philadelphia Cleans Up 296 Downed Trees After 4 Microbursts Knock Out Power to 3,000
Updated
Updated · NBC Philadelphia · Jul 12

Philadelphia Cleans Up 296 Downed Trees After 4 Microbursts Knock Out Power to 3,000

3 articles · Updated · NBC Philadelphia · Jul 12

Summary

  • 3,000-plus PECO customers were still without power Sunday night as Philadelphia crews worked through storm damage that left 296 downed trees and 125 wire investigations citywide.
  • Four severe microbursts hit West and South Philadelphia between 2:44 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Saturday, with straight-line winds of 60 to 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
  • 11 residential units at a Philadelphia Housing Authority building near 55th and Vine were damaged by roof failure and water intrusion, and the Red Cross said it was assisting 43 people whose homes were hit.
  • Lower Merion lifted its emergency declaration Sunday morning, but 30 roads were still closed by 5 p.m., about 2,800 outages remained, and officials said live wires were slowing tree-clearing work.
  • SEPTA service was still delayed or canceled Sunday, and some parks and recreation centers stayed shut even as the city kept all 63 pools open ahead of another heat wave.

Insights

With its vulnerabilities now exposed, how will Philadelphia fund the upgrades needed to survive the next superstorm?
Is Philadelphia's 'Green City' plan enough to protect it from the violent new reality of 'climate whiplash'?
With public housing damaged, how will the city ensure an equitable recovery for its most vulnerable residents?