EF-2 tornado downs power lines, trees in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
FORT WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- People had to abandon cars in Fort Washington, Montgomery County as severe storms moved through the area Wednesday evening.
Investigators from the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-2 tornado from the Fort Washington area of Upper Dublin Township to Horsham, Pa.
The estimated peak winds were 130 mph.
On Thursday morning, downed power lines were seen scattered across Route 309 and Highland Avenue.
The roof was torn off the Upper Dublin Police Department building. Officers asked anyone who did not need to travel to please stay at home.
"We came to the police station and the roof was off water was pouring into the ceiling and they evacuated us out of the building," said Ben, who lives nearby.
The field behind Upper Dublin High School was filled with toppled trees, even falling around the stadium and bleachers.
"It's pretty messed up with yesterday being the first day of school and now we don't know when we're going to return to school," said Patrick Richichi.
Downed power lines and large trees also made up most of the treacherous trek into Horsham as the remnants of Hurricane Ida moved through.
"Every single tree in our backyard was uprooted. Every single one. The fences are completely gone, some of my roofing is completely gone," said Allie Herbert.
RELATED: Video captures tornado, storm damage from Ida's remnants
Herbert said she just made it home as the severe weather moved in.
"We've never seen anything like this here," she said.
A trail of destruction welcomed many drivers along Welsh Road and Limekiln Pike. With a steady flow of rain, the roads looked more like rapids as flooding remained consistent.
More destruction was apparent in nearby Maple Glen.
"I felt the house starting to shake. The rain that had been kind of steadily falling started to really increase in intensity to the point that I couldn't even hear myself think," said Mike Zajac.
Large trees and power lines were also taken down by the severe weather.
RELATED: Multiple homes destroyed after tornado hits Mullica Hill, NJ
The early hum of generators could also be heard from those who lost power.
Just as the rain began so did the threat of flooding.
In Pottstown, West High Street - which is prone to flooding - proved too much for some drivers who ended up abandoning their cars
Rescuers prepared for a long night ahead
"You got to use common sense; don't jeopardize your life for your vehicle," said Joshua Groff.
