Roxborough High Will Be Shelter During Storm

Roxborough High School will be the closest city shelter to Chestnut Hill during .

Mayor Michael Nutter announced Friday afternoon that the city's Emergency Operations Center will open at 6 p.m. Saturday to coordinate storm response. It will also open three shelters throughout Philadelphia at 6 p.m. Saturday, and one of those shelters will be at Roxborough High School (6498 Ridge Ave.).

The other shelters will be at Lincoln High School (3201 Ryan Ave.) and Bartram High School (2401 S. 67th St.)

The mayor also encouraged people to have a supply kit on hand in case of a power outage or if there is severe flooding. For a full list of what people should have with them, click here.

Nutter named the Wissahickon Creek as a potentially flood-prone area. The are .

“Residents and businesses in low lying areas should prepare immediately," Nutter said in a news release. "If you need to evacuate, please leave as quickly as possible for your own safety.”

The National Weather Service said Friday afternoon that tropical storm force winds are expected to start late Saturday night. Wind gusts could come close to 70 mph, according to the weather service.

Heavy and record-setting rainfall is expected Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening and could result in flash flooding. A flood watch is in effect for the entire Philadelphia area.

Philadelphia and Delaware counties are under a hurricane warning and a tropical storm warning is in effect for Chester, Montgomery and Bucks counties.

The National Weather Service expects Irene to bring minor to moderate damage to mobile homes. Possible siding and roof damage to other homes is also expected. It warns loose outdoor items may be blown around and create additional damage.

PECO is expecting there will be downed power lines, so prepare for outages.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett Friday and SEPTA beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday.

To read a full news release from Nutter's office, click here.