Philadelphia Declares Disaster Emergency After 100 MPH Microburst Winds

Philadelphia was put under a disaster emergency declaration on Saturday after a series of microbursts triggered extensive damage across portions of the metro area. Here is a closer look at the weekend storm event.

Philadelphians Cleaning Up After Weekend Microbursts

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker issued a disaster emergency on Saturday after a series of storms unleashed major flooding and uprooted trees throughout much of the City of Brotherly Love. The most severe damage to homes and infrastructure was reported in West and South Philadelphia, as well as some areas of Montgomery County. Nobody was injured in the severe storm event that ushered in winds of 70 mph and periods of heavy rain.

Meteorologists define microbursts as small but potent winds that crash to the ground during times of thunderstorm activity. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), these strong lines of sinking air extend outward in all directions and can cause significant damage. Although microbursts are not tornadoes, they behave similarly, packing dangerous straight-line winds capable of exceeding 100 mph.

At least four microbursts were confirmed in Philadelphia and the southern tier of Montgomery County on Saturday. The storms were responsible for flooded roadways, hundreds of downed trees and power lines, and damaged roofs. At least 30 residents were displaced when a roof ripped off a Philadelphia Housing Authority building.

The Wynnefield area of Philly was hit particularly hard by flooding just before 3 pm on Saturday. Several cars were submerged in the rising floodwaters. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel confirmed that the city fielded approximately 3,000 calls during the storm.

As of Monday afternoon, there were still over 7,000 customers without power. Residents impacted by the storm are being urged to fill out the city's damage report so that officials can better assess the impacts and the needed response.

Parker issued a statement thanking first responders for their quick action, noting that "city crews will continue working around the clock to clear hazards, restore services, assess damage, and support every affected neighborhood… And please, check on your neighbors, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone who may need a helping hand. We’ll get through this together.

It has been a rough stretch of weather for Philadelphia. The metro area saw three consecutive days of triple-digit readings over the Fourth of July holiday. The extreme heat and the torrential rain forced the cancellation of the city's famous Independence Day parade and also delayed the start of the Philly: Unity Concert for America.

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