West Philadelphia residents continue recovery efforts after July 11 storms
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Residents in a West Philadelphia neighborhood are still recovering more than a week after severe microbursts caused widespread damage, uprooting trees, flooding streets and damaging homes and vehicles.
Damage from the July 11 storms remains visible throughout the neighborhood. One tree was uprooted along with the surrounding concrete, crushing a car and causing damage to several homes.
The fast-moving storms caused significant flooding, leaving several vehicles submerged on flooded roadways.
Susan Burton-Storey, who lives in West Philadelphia, said she had never witnessed conditions like those created by the storm.
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"It was rough. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, really. I've been here for 11 years on this block, never seen anything like that."
With storms in the forecast, some residents are taking precautions by moving their vehicles to higher ground.
One resident said floodwaters during the July 11 storm reached the second step of a nearby property.
At a barber shop near 57th Street and Lebanon Avenue, people were inside when the storm moved through. As rain intensified, floodwaters rapidly rose outside the business.
The shop's owner said conditions deteriorated quickly.
The owner, who said he has operated Primo for 30 years, is working to reopen the business. He said he hopes the city will take additional steps to help prevent future flooding.
City officials are still responding to tree emergencies related to the July 11 storm.
According to the Philadelphia Water Department, crews have been visiting flood-prone locations and clearing storm drains ahead of expected storms. The department said that includes the area around 58th Street and Lebanon Avenue, which was visited over the weekend.
Officials are also encouraging residents to sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia emergency alerts by texting READYPHILA to 888777.
