bookmark_borderHurricane Sandy Aftermath

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Hurricane Sandy proved to be one of the most severe natural disasters the region has ever seen. Thirty-nine people were killed (mostly from trees.) There were a record number of responses to 911 calls in Philadelphia at more than 1,300.

Ocean City, Atlantic City and other shore communities were devastated. The beaches are on the streets and portions of the boardwalk in the ocean.

Overall estimates of damage are greater than 20 billion dollars, thought the cost of the Wall Street closure will take time to evaluate. It is the first time since 1888 the exchange has been closed for more than one day.

Ocean Avenue in Avalon, NJ
Ocean Avenue in Avalon, NJ [photo by Severe NJ Weather]

bookmark_borderPhiladelphia Closed

PHILADELPHIA, PA; OCTOBER 29, 2012 2:45PM — Mayor Nutter announced at a press conference, “Philadelphia will be closed tomorrow.” All public schools will be closed. The District Attorney, the Sheriff and all non-emergency services will be closed.

Though Hurricane Sandy’s winds are not the strongest on record, it is the strongest storm as measured by low barometric pressure to ever come up the East Coast of the United States.

bookmark_borderEmergency Preparedness

For the most up-to-date weather information go to http://www.noaa.gov/.
For public transportation information please go to http://www.septa.org/realtime/status/system-status.shtml.

Essential numbers to call in an emergency during a storm:
Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476
Comcast: 1-800-266-2278
New Jersey Transit: 1-973-275-5555
PATCO: 856-772-6900
PECO customer service: 1-800-494-4000
PECO emergency: 1-800-841-4141
Philadelphia Gas Works: 215-235-1212
Philadelphia Water Department: 215-685-6300
PSEG: 1-800-436-7734
Philadelphia: 311
SEPTA: 215-580-7800
Verizon Communications: 1-800-837-4966