The city of Erie, Pennsylvania, declared a state of emergency this week after a storm battered the Flagship City between Wednesday and Thursday.
The aftermath includes fallen trees, debris, and electrical power outages.
“City crews have been working hard to assess damage and clear roadways,” city officials said in a statement on Thursday. “The City’s immediate priority is clearing streets from curb to curb to ensure safe passage for residents and emergency responders.”The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued warnings and bulletins leading up to the 60 mph wind gusts that swept through the town along with hail that was the size of a quarter.
An estimated 2 to 4 inches of rain fell across Erie County, and the NWS issued flood warnings for the rivers, creeks, and streams.
Numerous roads were closed.
The city’s public information officer did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Current city plans, according to Erie’s governmental website, include assessing the storm’s impact while crews continue clearing roadways.
One of the emergency declaration’s more stunning announcements is the closure of all 15 municipal parks and recreational facilities in the public’s best interest.
“Due to storm damage and ongoing safety assessments, the following city parks and facilities are closed until further notice: Frontier Park, Columbus Park, Washington Park, Gridley Park, Griswold Park, Ruby Schaaf Park, Glenwood Park, Chautauqua Park, Wayne Park, Ballpark at 13th & Wayne Streets, Rainbow Park, Wallace Park, Bayview Park, McKinley Park, and J.C. Martin Golf Course,” the proclamation reads.
The directive further encourages residents to stay away from downed power lines, fallen trees, and their large branches.
“Treat every downed line as energized and call 911 to report it,” city leaders advise. “If it is safe to do so, take photos or videos to document the damage, and contact the homeowner’s insurance company for assistance.”
The center of the storm was in Northwestern Pennsylvania and, in addition to Erie, Conneaut, Girard, Harbor Creek, Lawrence Park, Wesleyville, Lake City, Platea, McKean, and Avonia were impacted.
Earlier this year in February, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker declared a snow emergency based on NWS forecasts that anticipated heavy, wet snow, high winds, and snowfall rates.
“As always, our city agencies and partners have planned, prepared and are ready to fight this storm,” Parker said in a statement at the time. “We will do whatever it takes to clear our streets and keep Philadelphia safe.”