Gov. Wolf Requests Major Disaster Declaration For Delco Storm

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf today requested that a major disaster be declared for nine counties in Pennsylvania in the wake of flooding and damage caused by Tropical Storm Isaias in early August.

The storm left more than 300,000 PECO customers without power, and spawned a tornado in Bucks County. The tornado ripped the roof off of Children's Village daycare at the Doylestown Hospital.

The governor’s request includes Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties.

“My request today includes not only Public Assistance for government to pay for costs associated with its response and repairs, but also Individual Assistance for homeowners who need federal assistance to help them on their path to recovery,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a news release. “The damage assessment and validation processes, which are for the first time being conducted virtually due to the pandemic, are ongoing and I have the option of adding other counties as we learn more.”

The major disaster declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency would provide federal funding to local, county and state governments, as well as certain eligible non-profits.

Here are other impacts from the storm, as reported on Patch.

• In Norristown, the Elmwood Park Zoo is moving its animals to safety as the zoo property has seen severe flooding and destruction. DETAILS.
• I-76 saw significant flooding near King of Prussia in the eastbound lanes. Traffic was rerouted near Gulph Mills onto Route 202. DETAILS.
• PennDOT temporarily reduced the speed on five Philadelphia-area highways due to storm impacts. DETAILS.
• There was a water rescue on County Line Road in New Britain. Bucks County officials said a pregnant woman had to be rescued from her car after it stalled in the water in the area. DETAILS.
• Debris, downed trees, and flooding closed roadways around Chester County Tuesday afternoon, as officials warn motorists to travel only if necessary and advise them not to risk driving through water accumulated on roadways. DETAILS.
• Several roads in Marple and Newtown townships are closed due to flooding, according to officials. DETAILS.
• In Buckingham Township, numerous road closures have been reported. Forest Grove Road between Dark Hollow and New Hope roads is closed; Creek Road between New Hope and Lower Mountain roads is closed; Pineville Road between Route 413 and Ridge Road is closed; and Burnt House Hill Road between Mechanicsville Road and Route 202 is closed. DETAILS.
• In Montgomery County, heavy flooding has led to the closure of the bridge between Norristown and Bridgeport. DETAILS.
• Heavy flooding has hit roadways in Towamencin and Upper Gwynedd particularly hard, with thousands in that area also losing power. DETAILS.
• Newtown Township, Bucks County is reporting road closures as well as power outages, including at the Village at Newtown Shopping Center. DETAILS.
• Many of Lansdale's main arteries are closed, including S. Valley Forge Road, S. Broad Street, and Main Street. DETAILS.
• South Park Avenue, Trooper Road, Eagleville Road, and more in Lower Providence have been shut down. DETAILS.

In order to request Public Assistance, the commonwealth overall must meet a threshold of $19,688,687.

Estimated costs associated with this incident period total more than $27.6 million, the governor's office said.

It is not known when the president will make a decision to grant or deny disaster assistance. President Trump is expected to be released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Monday after following several days of treatment for the coronavirus.

If the request is approved, applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the costs incurred on eligible expenses, such as but not limited to costs associated with paying overtime, repairs to damaged infrastructure, equipment rentals and materials.