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City girds for major storm

With up to 6 inches of rain predicted to drench the region, Philadelphia city officials today announced preparations for the oncoming storm.

Coatesville fire police direct traffic around a tree that fell and downed wires, blocking Lincoln Highwayas heavy rains fell in Chester County on Thursday afternoon. (Laurence Kesterson / Staff Photographer)
Coatesville fire police direct traffic around a tree that fell and downed wires, blocking Lincoln Highwayas heavy rains fell in Chester County on Thursday afternoon. (Laurence Kesterson / Staff Photographer)Read more

With up to 6 inches of rain predicted to drench the region, Philadelphia city officials today announced preparations for the oncoming storm.

Mayor Nutter, at a late afternoon news conference, warned city residents to stay home as the storm peaks. City students, however, will not get a break. All schools will remain open Friday.

"During the height of storm, stay safe. Drive only if necessary. If you must drive, avoid low lying areas and standing water," Nutter said.

The Schuylkill is expected to crest at 15.2 feet, the second highest in recorded history, Nutter said. Tidal flooding is also possible on the Delaware River.

At 6 p.m. a tornado watch for the area was canceled.

Nutter advised people living in low-lying areas to be ready to evacuate and make make arrangements with family members who live in higher elevations in the event of flooding.

The City has opened two shelters to accomodate residents who may be displaced by rising waters. Operations at Roxborough High School and Bartram High School will be able to take up to 300 people each.

The city will also post alerts to its website at www.phila.gov/ready. A 311 call center will remain open tonight until midnight. Operators will be back on the job at 8 a.m. Friday morning and remain available until midnight Saturday.

SEPTA officials advised passengers to expect service delays on regional rail lines and bus routes.

All police community meetings scheduled for tonight were canceled. Future dates and locations for the 21 meetings will be posted on the department's website at phillypolice.com.

Sections of the city that are most likely to flood include: Manayunk, along Main Street; the Eastwick section in Southwest Philadelphia; Kelly and King Drives along the Schuylkill River; Lincoln Drive along the Wissahickon Creek; and Delaware River along Columbus Boulevard, from Spring Garden Street to Washington Avenue.