Governor Rendell Updates Winter Storm Recovery; Urges Residents of Southeastern Region to Avoid Calling 911 With Non-Emergencies

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today said PennDOT, the National Guard, and local authorities are continuing to respond to the two major winter storms that hammered Pennsylvania over the past week.

"The most serious problems we face continue to be in the southeastern region," Governor Rendell said. "PECO is working to restore power to an estimated 70,000 households, and it is possible that they could be without electricity until Sunday."

In the southeast, residents with requests for assistance that do not involve life-threatening emergencies should contact their municipality.

Call 911 for any life-threatening emergency. Do not call 911 for non-emergencies or to request information.

In the southwestern region, the Governor noted that an estimated 20,000 households continue to be without electricity as a result of the storms.

Statewide, hundreds of Pennsylvania National Guard troops are conducting "presence patrols" to assist residents who are stranded or in need of other assistance.

All interstates have reopened, including Interstate 78. PennDOT and municipal crews are working to address secondary and local routes. Motorists may still encounter difficult conditions, especially on rural roads.

"State and local agencies have done a tremendous job responding to this storm," the Governor said. "The public helped tremendously by heeding our requests to avoid travel during the worst of the weather."

Editor's note: An earlier version of this news release listed a telephone number for Philadelphia County residents. They should call 311.

Media Contact: Gary Tuma; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor