Overall, Harrisburg weathered Irene pretty well, although three men did die in separate incidents as a result of the hurricane. The men were in campgrounds, campers and a car. Governor Tom Corbett, who appeared today with Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley and PEMA Director Glenn Cannon, has sent a letter to President Obama requesting federal emergency disaster funds.
In total, 11 counties have experienced difficulties as a result of Hurricane Irene. These include: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Wyoming and Wayne. Fortunately, Mr. Corbett was able to reassure the public that none of the power plants in the area, of which there are four, had suffered “adverse effects” from the storm.
The worst is certainly passed us in Harrisburg, but it is still possible that there will be high flood waters. Motorists should make sure not to drive through standing water. Drivers should drive slowly and should pay attention to road surfaces that might have been damaged from the flooding and to slippery conditions.
For those trying to get beyond Harrisburg, things seem to be returning to normal. The mass transit system in Philadelphia which was shut down starting Saturday is not back and running; and the Philadelphia International Airport is also back to full operation.
Let’s say goodbye to Irene..and hopefully keep her friends at bay for quite awhile.
