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Philadelphia neighborhoods hit by severe storms
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Severe microburst thunderstorms struck Philadelphia and surrounding counties Saturday afternoon, causing widespread damage including downed trees, power lines, flooding, and structural damage.
- The National Weather Service confirmed straight-line winds of 60 to 70 mph caused the damage, dismissing earlier tornado speculation.
- A building collapse in West Philadelphia resulted in bricks crushing cars and blocking trolley tracks, while a Philadelphia Housing Authority apartment building lost part of its roof, affecting 11 residential units.
- Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker declared a Disaster Emergency and emphasized coordinated government efforts to respond, restore services, and assist residents.
- All residents affected by the damaged apartment building were safely evacuated and temporarily sheltered, with emergency management also assisting evacuations at other private properties.
