Posted on 27 August 2011. Tags: Hurricane Irene
Storm's intensity track
POTTSTOWN PA – The sun shone brightly Friday (Aug. 26, 2011) in Sanatoga, and daytime temperatures could even be considered hot, so there was no indication Hurricane Irene has begun marching up the East Coast toward Pennsylvania and beyond. By tonight (Saturday, Aug. 27), forecasters predict it will start hitting greater Pottstown with heavy rain and wind.
In the calm before the storm:
- Several local organizations and agencies made final preparations for the weather.
- Some decided to continue plans in spite of it.
- Others canceled events outright.
- And the rest of us agonized a little.
Here’s a reporter’s notebook compilation of what was being said locally on social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook …
Sunlight filters through early morning fog Friday (Aug. 26, 2011) on North Sanatoga Road near North Pleasantview Road in Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township.
Getting Ready
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Hoping to limit flooding in Pottstown, Army engineers lower Blue Marsh Lake in Bern by 2 feet! #sanatogairene http://t.co/mEkMwNS |
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Pottstown radio WPAZ-AM on air, Internet throughout weekend with information to weather the storm, it says. #sanatogairene |
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Schuylkill River Heritage offices, College Dr, Pottstown moved files, computers to higher shelves, anticipating flood. #sanatogairene |
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Corbett declared state of emergency Friday. Allows PA prop owners to seek some federal loans, aid for damage repairs later. #sanatogairene |
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“PEMA Urges Pennsylvanians to Prepare for Hurricane Irene.” Advice from the state’s experts. #sanatogairene http://t.co/pZdeKHY |
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Lower Pottsgrove Met-Ed customers: what utility’s doing to prep for Irene. #sanatogairene http://t.co/Sda58CR |
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Dear people of Pottstown,What are you going to do w your milk and eggs if Irene does hit? Why is no one picking up water and food you don’t have to cook to eat? Good luck with those eggs!!! |
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Still Goin’ On
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Movin’ veggies like they were being blown away! Phxville Farm Market open Sat 9-1 despite Irene threat. #sanatogairene http://t.co/QmKSDqs |
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Ursinus College planned student move-in Sun; now urges arrival Sat. Storm causes whirlwind settlement! #sanatogairene http://t.co/pC1W6Oi |
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Cancellations
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Phoenixville Bike Day “rained out” Saturday; no rain date later. Thanks, Irene! #sanatogairene http://t.co/Bk4tHBN |
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SEPTA bus routes in MontCo ending Sunday 12:30 am with concerns about winds, rain, flooding. #sanatogairene |
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MCCC Pottstown campus South Hall open Sat for registration to 3 pm only, North Hall closed. Sun, both closed. #sanatogairene |
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Irene cancellation: Pottstown Elks Club calls off public breakfast planned for Sunday. Next date is Sept. 25. #sanatogairene |
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Phillies are first team to reschedule game Thursday as Hurricane Irene heads for possible direct hit on the Northeast. http://t.co/zrVMFbH |
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Worries …
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Dnt want the hurricane to cum to pottstown:( |
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Walked down the street un Pottstown and noticed sand bags on the community college across the street from our motel. Stopped at the Hinds dealer and he told me we are right next to a river that flooded in 72 with Agnes. Up the walls 10 to 15 feet. He also said they ate being told that we will feel the effects of Irene Sat. So maybe on our way home Sat night. |
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Let’s hope #Limerick holds! RT @AP Nuclear plants are built to withstand hurricanes, but they may shut down as #Hurricane #Irene passes by |
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Today, August 26, 2011, we are patiently waiting for a visit from Irene. From what I hear she has a lot of baggage with her. We sure hope she doesn’t bring it to Pottstown. |
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I thought pottstown ws gon be safe from the hurricane but guess I was wrong lol |
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@JohnBolaris I live around Pottstown, Pa what should I be worrying about with Irene? |
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Wishful Thinking
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Hey if irene hits pottstown On sunday at least i wont hav skool the next day |
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Pottstown Elks PR officer Cathy McDevitt adds her wish to the community: “Stay safe and dry!” #sanatogairene |
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I’m praying for my hometown friends and families on the east coast (Pottstown) – I hope and pray that hurricane Irene moves to the east….. |
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Related:
Wow, as I speak Irene is passing by Norfolk over the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and slooging northwards. After a dark grey day, winds are still mild but rains are coming in bands alternating light to heavy. We’ve got several hours yet and every minute that goes by allows more water to flow past Pottstown and South. Given the track, the river flood plain north of us may get a lot less than Agnes and other storms that tracked closer Inland, and therefore dumped more rain into the watershed up river which naturally flowed down.
Removing the dams and barriers on the Manatawny may also have a good effect in increasing flow rates for that feeder to the Schuylkill. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. With the economy so bad, people don’t really need to have to spend more money to fix storm damage.
Good Luck to all.