Hurricane Irene Update and Open Thread

[Updated Sunday, 8/28/11, 12:35 a.m.]

This is an open thread—readers are encouraged to post comments and questions below.

Hurricane Irene, still a category 1 hurricane, has only just started to affect the Malvern area. Heavy rainfall and high winds have already begun, but the most extreme elements of the storm are expected to hit the area Sunday morning, roughly between 4 and 8 a.m., as the eye moves up the New Jersey coast.

Reminders from police:

• When traffic lights are out, stop at intersection and proceed with caution.
• Do not touch downed power lines or attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

For Malvern area:

• A tornado warning expired at 11 p.m., with no tornados reported. A tornado watch is in effect until 5 a.m. Sunday.
• A flash flood warning is in effect until 5:30 a.m. Sunday.
• A tropical storm warning is still in effect.

Quick links:

• National Weather Service's Malvern forecast and severe weather advisories.
• SEPTA service is completely shut down until noon Sunday.
• , banning large trucks.
• Peco poweoutage map.

For an extensive live blog of the hurricane's effect on the Main Line area, visit .

Safety tips:

• Listen to NOAA radio online here. Search for Philadelphia and select the "standalone" player.
• Safety for hurricane-spawned tornadoes.
• Build a "to-go" emergency bag.
• Never drive through, or walk through flooded areas and stay away from moving flood waters. Six inches of flowing water can sweep you off your feet.
• Be prepared with flashlights and extra batteries.
• Check prescriptions for family members.
• Have at least three days of food and fresh water.
• Clean everything that gets wet in a flood. Floodwaters have probably picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and factories. Spoiled food and flooded medicines and cosmetics are health hazards. 
• When streetlights are out, always stop and proceed with caution.
• Never touch any down wires.

More safety tips from [Chester County]  [Red Cross (PDF)]  [FEMA]

Share your hurricane experience

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• Email pete.kennedy@patch.com
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• Tweet @MalvernPatch
• Upload the photos directly to this article by clicking "Add your photos and videos" under the graphic.