Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Major Rain Storm Coming, City Says

Mayor Nutter says the severe rainfall expected tonight could lead to flooding in parts of the city and problems on the roads.

"During the height of the storm, please stay safe," Nutter said. "Drive only if necessary."

Nutter said the National Weather Service was predicting 4 to 6 inches of rain overnight, which could cause the Schuylkill River to crest tomorrow afternoon.

Residents in parts of the city prone to flooding should consider staying elsewhere tonight, Nutter said. Emergency shelters will be set up at Roxborough and Bartram high schools. Shuttles for Roxborough will be leaving from the Ivy Ridge Train station, at Umbria Street and Parker Avenue. And shuttles for Bartram will be going from 77th Strees and Elmwood Avenue.

SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney said commuters should plan their morning routes early, noting that a number of train and bus lines could be affected. He said SEPTA will be posting updates about service changes and delays on their website, www.septa.org.

Schools are expected to be open tomorrow, Nutter said. He said residents with questions should call the city's 3-1-1 non-emergency call line, which will be open extra hours to manage the storm.