NORRISTOWN, PA – Montgomery County officials have released updated information on the County’s response to the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Residents can opt-in to receive updates by texting MontcoIda to 888-777.
The death toll from the storm remains at four Montgomery County residents. Information on three fatalities under investigation by the Montgomery County Coroner was
released today. A fourth Montgomery County resident died in Bucks County and was pronounced by the Bucks County Coroner.
On Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9, Montgomery County will open a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) for residents affected by Hurricane Ida. At the MARC, residents will have access to representatives from municipal, County, and State emergency management agencies; non-governmental disaster relief organizations; elected officials; and various County and State government human services agencies. The hours of operation and location will be announced when plans are finalized.
Due to the severity of the damage from this storm, the County issued a disaster declaration, which will enable the collection of any potential subsequent reimbursement for storm-related response and damage. Montgomery County residents and business owners who sustained property damage are strongly encouraged to report it.
Damage reporting is a two-part process. First, visit
www.montcopa.org/ida and submit damage information using the County’s online form. Only one submission per household is needed. To date, nearly 1,000 damage reports have been received. Second, contact the township or borough in which the damaged residence or business is located. Contact information for municipal governments is available at
www.montcopa.org/ida.
Individuals in need of a place to stay tonight, Friday, September 3, may go to the Red Cross shelter at the Norristown Area High School, located at 1900 Eagle Drive, Norristown, PA 19403. This shelter also accepts pets. If possible, pet owners should bring food, a crate, a sheet or blanket, and a bowl. These items will be supplied if a pet owner is unable to provide them.
Physical donations are currently not being accepted by Montgomery County or our Red Cross shelter partners. Please do not drop off donations of any kind at the shelter at Norristown Area High School or other shelters that may become operational in the coming days. When we have further information on how people can support the individuals in Montgomery County impacted by Hurricane Ida, it will be shared.
The Hurricane Ida Crisis Cleanup Hotline has been established for residents who have sustained damage and need help with cutting fallen trees, removing affected drywall, flooring, and appliances, tarping roofs, and mold remediation. Call the Hotline at (844) 965-1386.
The Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Communications Center answered 9,034 calls for assistance between 12 noon on Wednesday and 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, which is approximately three times the number of calls received during a typical 36-hour period. The busiest hour was between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, when 1,067 calls were received. 467 water rescues were dispatched during the storm, many of which involved the rescue of multiple individuals.
Approximately 12,000 customers are still without power in Montgomery County as of 4:00 p.m. Friday. The Schuylkill River at Norristown and Perkiomen Creek at Graterford crested at record levels during the storm, but both have now fallen back below flood stage.
Several Montgomery County
bridges and the roads they carry remain closed as a direct result of Hurricane Ida. Residents should not drive or walk past closure signs as flooded roads are unsafe. Doing so puts both yourself and those who may have to come to rescue you at risk.
Due to storm damage,
County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites situated along waterways are closed through Monday, September 6 and may be closed longer depending on damage. This includes Lock 60; Upper Valley Schuylkill Park (The lower parking lot, boat slip, fishing pier, and Schuylkill East Trail entrance are all closed but the upper lot is open); Lower Perkiomen Valley Park; Central Perkiomen Valley Park; Lorimer Park; and Pennypack Trail. The Perkiomen Trail is open from Cider Mill Road to Route 29 (Perkiomenville). Bridge 99 from this point after Route 29 is closed and there is no access to Green Lane Park from the Perkiomen Trail due to the bridge closure.
Storm updates will continue to be posted on the County website at
www.montcopa.org/Ida. Residents are encouraged to check this page for updates as the recovery operations continue.
Montgomery County Courts and all County buildings and facilities are closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of Labor Day. All County services and buildings will reopen on Tuesday, September 7.