Pennsylvania governor Tom Corbett declared a statewide disaster emergency Friday, enabling the state, county and municipal governments to respond effectively to the impact of Hurricane Irene, which is expected to hit the state over the weekend.
“We are urging all Pennsylvanians to take action now to be prepared,” Corbett said. “We will continue to monitor this changing situation statewide and plan for all possible emergencies. Should the need arise, we will be able to help as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Mr. Corbett issued the disaster proclamation Friday after meeting with Glenn Cannon, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and other emergency officials at their headquarters in Harrisburg.
The declaration comes as Hurricane Irene continues to bear down on the east coast of the U.S.
Speaking Friday, President Obama urged residents across the region to evacuate if called upon.
“I cannot stress this highly enough,” Mr. Obama said from Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. “If you are in the projected path of this hurricane, you have to take precautions now. Don’t wait. Don’t delay. We all hope for the best, but we have to be prepared for the worst.”
“All of us have to take this storm seriously. You need to listen to your state and local officials. And if you are given an evacuation order, please follow it,” Mr. Obama added.
Hurricane Irene is projected to hit the North Carolina coast near Cape Fear Friday afternoon with tropical storm force winds (up to 73 miles per hour). The entire North Carolina coast could experience hurricane force winds all day Saturday. Heavy rains and flash flooding are expected along with storm surge.
