Governor Ed Rendell has authorized the activation of the National Guard to assist Pennsylvania residents following the record setting blizzard that has left thousands without power.
Rendell said 400 guards members have been activated to do presence patrols in counties worst hit by recent snowstorms. Officials said the National Guard will be checking on residents in need of assistance, area hospitals and offering help where needed.
Plows have been working through the night after approximately 15.8″ of snow fell in Philadelphia Wednesday. The storm brought Philadelphia’s winter snowfall to a record 70 inches, blanketing the previous record of 65.5″ during the Blizzard of ’96.
As of noon Thursday, PECO is reporting approximately 60,000 power outages; 6,000 in Philadelphia, 19,000 in Bucks County, 14,000 in Montgomery County, 14,000 in Delaware County and 5,000 in Chester County.
PECO officials ask customers to be patient, as heavy winds have been toppling snow and ice covered trees. Crews from Chicago are en route to assist repair efforts, but some homes may not have power restored until Sunday
Atlantic City Electric is reporting over 22,500 outages, mostly in Cape May and Burlington Counties, while Delmarva Power is reporting over 5,900 outages.
The storm forced the closure of several major interstates in Pennsylvania, including the Blue Route and the Schuylkill Expressway. PennDOT spokesman Nick Martino said the roadways have been reopened as of 5 a.m. Thursday.
SEPTA said there will be no bus service in the suburbs, but regular service will resume in the city. Regional Rail riders should expect lengthy delays and cancellations as crews work to remove ice on “virtually everything.” Subway service is active, but some trolleys are not running. For a full list, visit SEPTA.org.
N.J. Transit said bus service will remain suspended in South Jersey due to poor road conditions.
In Delaware, Governor Jack Markell said they are still in a State of Emergency and drivers will be fined if they head out on the roads. All DelDOT service has been suspended.
Philadelphia International Airport ended most operations around 8 p.m. Tuesday and virtually no flights departed Wednesday. Airport officials expect “a large number of flight cancellations” Thursday.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter announced that all City offices will once again be closed to the public on Thursday, including all recreation centers, libraries and health centers. He said residents should take the day to dig out as the city should be operational on Friday.
Mayor Nutter added trash and recycling collection will be on a two-day delay.
All Philadelphia Public and Parochial Schools are currently closed. More Closings
-CBS 3
