Residents in Philadelphia and surrounding counties are assessing damage and cleaning up after a series of severe microburst storms swept through the region on Saturday afternoon. The storms brought straight-line wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph, downing trees and power lines, flooding streets, and causing structural damage to buildings.
At least four microbursts were recorded in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties between approximately 2:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Officials confirmed that straight-line winds, not a tornado, were responsible for the damage, despite some initial speculation.
In West Philadelphia, a building collapse sent bricks into the street, damaging vehicles and blocking trolley tracks. The Philadelphia Housing Authority reported that 11 residential units in one of its apartment buildings sustained roof and water damage. Residents from these units were safely evacuated and relocated to temporary shelter and a nearby hotel.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stated that city officials toured the damaged neighborhoods throughout Saturday and Sunday. The city subsequently issued a Declaration of Disaster Emergency to coordinate response efforts. "Every level of government is working together today, tonight, and for as long as it takes to respond to this storm, restore services, and help our residents recover. That is our commitment," Parker said in a news release.
City officials also assisted in the evacuation of at least one private residential property due to storm-related damage. The microbursts in Philadelphia were part of a weekend of severe weather across the U.S., which also included heatwaves, flooding, and wildfires in other regions.