COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

September 8, 2021

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr.

President of the United States

The White House

Washington, D. C.

Through: Ms. MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Dear Mr. President:

Under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency

Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (Stafford Act), as implemented by 44 CFR § 206.36, I

request that you declare a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

(“Commonwealth”) as a result of heavy rainfall, severe flash flooding, and tornadoes from

Tropical Depression Ida that impacted Pennsylvania on August 31, 2021, through September 5,

2021.

In accordance with 44 CFR § 206.36(b)(1-2), I have determined that the disaster is of such

severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the Commonwealth,

and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary.

Specifically, I respectfully request a major disaster declaration for Individual Assistance for

the following Pennsylvania counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and

York.

In addition, I request Public Assistance for the Pennsylvania counties of Bucks, Chester,

Delaware, Fulton, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York Counties; and for the Hazard Mitigation

Grant Program to be made available to all 67 counties of the Commonwealth.

Importantly, I reserve the right to add additional counties requesting additional types or

categories of assistance not set forth herein; and/or to provide supplemental information to this

request if findings warrant such action.

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I. DECLARATION OF DISASTER EMERGENCY

In accordance with section 401 of the Stafford Act and 44 CFR § 206.36(c)(1), and in response

to the situation, I have taken appropriate action under Pennsylvania law and directed the execution

of the State Emergency Operations Plan on August 31, 2021. As a result of the expected impact

and threats posed by Tropical Depression Ida, I declared a Disaster Emergency in the

Commonwealth on August 31, 2021.

II. SEVERITY AND MAGNITUDE OF THE AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

INCIDENT

Rainfall from Tropical Depression Ida on September 1, 2021, set records at numerous climate

sites in the Commonwealth. In Harrisburg, a single day total of 6.64 inches of rainfall on

September 1, 2021, was the third-highest single day of rainfall measured at the Harrisburg airport,

behind only Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 and the resultant floods from Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

On the same day, the Altoona airport measured the third-highest single day rainfall at 5.21 inches,

and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton airport received the second-highest rainfall in a single day at 5.09

inches. The swath of rainfall stretching from Chester through Montgomery and into Bucks counties

was exceptionally intense and rare, with a return period of at least 200-year amounts.

Leading up to the event, many of the Commonwealth’s waterways were running in greater than

the 75th percentile for daily streamflow. So as Ida’s rain arrived, waterways across the

Commonwealth were immediately impacted by heavy rain. Rapid rises were noted on numerous

stream gages. Dozens of small streams and creeks across the southern and eastern part of the

Commonwealth exceeded flood stage, with numerous hitting moderate or major flooding.

As Southeastern Pennsylvania was being pummeled with intense rain and flash flooding issues,

the severe weather hazard exploded across the region in the evening hours of September 1, 2021.

Several tornado warnings were issued across Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties. The

National Weather Service (NWS) later confirmed five tornadoes in these regions, three of which

struck Bucks County. SEE Attachment 1 for Weather Analysis and Effects – Tropical Depression

Ida.

In addition to the devastating weather effects of Tropical Depression Ida set forth herein, these

conditions caused at least five deaths within the Commonwealth, in excess of 110,000 power

outages, road closures, travel disruptions, and damage to public and private property. The impacts

of Tropical Depression Ida are of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is now

beyond the capability of the Commonwealth while still responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

III. FEDERAL ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY TO SUPPLEMENT THE

EFFORTS AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH

This incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the

capabilities of the Commonwealth and affected local governments, and pursuant to 44 CFR §

206.36(b)(2), federal assistance under the Stafford Act is necessary to supplement the efforts and

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available resources of the State, local governments, disaster relief organizations, and compensation

by insurance for disaster related losses. Therefore, in accordance 44 CFR § 206.36(c)(4), I am

specifically requesting:

A. Individual Assistance

ALL Programs and Areas of Individual Assistance for Bucks, Chester, Delaware,

Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York counties to include:

• Individuals and Households Program, including Expanded Clean and Sanitize Assistance

and Home Repair Assistance for specific post-disaster accessibility-related items;

• Crisis Counseling;

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance;

• Disaster Case Management;

• Disaster Legal Services;

• Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance;

• Any other assistance not specifically listed that is or becomes available.

Although many homeowners did insure their homes, such insurance coverage may not enable

residents to immediately return home. High demand repairs may force affected homeowners to

incur temporary housing expenses in addition to other financial losses. Therefore, supplemental

federal assistance may be required to help displaced homeowners who obtained proper insurance

but still remain displaced due to circumstances of the storm. Moreover, these Pennsylvania

counties for which assistance is sought are separated from neighboring states New Jersey and New

York, which are appropriately receiving supplemental federal assistance, only by a line on the

map.

In accordance with 44 CFR § 206.36(c)(2), specific details, including the required

demographic data, which explains the impacts to the six counties for which I am requesting

Individual Assistance, can be found in Enclosure A to this letter. I respectfully request that you

consider the information presented therein. Finally, I reserve the right to add additional counties

to this request for Individual and Public Assistance at a future time.

B. Public Assistance

Public Assistance for Categories A through G for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Fulton,

Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York counties. In accordance with 44 CFR § 206.36(c)(2), further

impact data for the seven counties can be found in Enclosure B to this letter. These damage totals

have been reported by the counties and the Commonwealth continues to work to verify these damages

totals.

Pennsylvania and FEMA have completed joint preliminary damage assessments in Bucks,

Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York counties, which does not represent the full extent of

the devastation sustained within the Commonwealth. Preliminary damage assessments for Chester

and Fulton counties are in process but have not been completed. There are nine (9) state agencies,

that have reported eligible response activities as it relates to the Tropical Storm Ida response within

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the Commonwealth. The collective damage estimate to public infrastructure in the Commonwealth

to date has far exceeded the Commonwealth’s threshold of $19.7 million (current estimate is $117

million), and there are hundreds of individual homes and apartments that sustained major damage or

were destroyed.

Due to the widespread nature of the Tropical Depression Ida flooding and destruction,

Pennsylvania continues to assess the impact on public and private property, essential

infrastructure, and eligible not-for-profit organizations. The ongoing flooding is likely to cause

further infrastructure damage - and renders it difficult to assess the full impact of Tropical

Depression Ida. At this stage, it is already evident that Tropical Depression Ida’s significant

impact to Pennsylvania is catastrophic.

Pennsylvania will continue to gather information concerning eligibility for Public Assistance

for other Pennsylvania counties in the coming days and weeks. Therefore, I reserve the right to

add additional counties to this request for Public Assistance at a future time.

C. Hazard Mitigation

As Pennsylvania moves into the long-term recovery phase of Tropical Depression Ida, the

Commonwealth has an approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan. Therefore, I am requesting hazard

mitigation assistance for all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.

IV. STATE GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO ALLEVIATE THE DISASTER (44

CFR § 206.36(c)(3))

Pennsylvania has expended significant resources to address the needs related to the threats

posed by Tropical Depression Ida while concurrently undertaking emergency protective measures

to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, I directed state agencies to take appropriate

action to protect Commonwealth property and to assist affected local governments and individuals.

The following are just some of the state and local resources that have been, or will be, used to

alleviate the conditions of this disaster:

• Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) communicated daily with the

NWS, federal, state, and county agencies, and contiguous states. The Commonwealth

Response Coordination Center (CRCC) tested the Commonwealth's 800 MHz radio system

to ensure a reliable communications' platform among state and county agencies. Volunteers

with Pennsylvania's Auxiliary Communications Service were placed on alert. In addition,

PEMA had liaisons staged in Bucks, Chester, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia

counties to provide expedited and direct access to state and federal assets. Multiple Swift

Water Rescue Teams, Rapid Assessment Units, Incident Management Teams, ambulances,

and Pennsylvania Task Force 1 were either staged or deployed to affected areas.

• The CRCC coordinated response operations during this event with senior state officials.

The CRCC has been elevated to a full Level II beginning on August 31, 2021, through

September 5, 2021, to mitigate loss of life and property.

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• The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has worked with its statewide network to ensure

emergency meals and appropriate plans are in place.

• The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections tested backup generators at their facilities in

case of widespread power outages. Evacuation plans were prepared for those facilities. On

August 28, 2021, the emergency area command was activated.

• The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) updated its list of dams

of “special concern" and has provided that information to counties and PEMA. Several

dams are being monitored due to rising water levels. Two dams were classified as close to

failure. Evacuations occurred in communities that may be affected by these potential dam

failures and any resultant flooding. More than 60 water and wastewater plans have

experienced issues related to power outages, requiring emergency generators and in many

cases the issuance of Boil Water Advisories. DEP works with these facilities to assist

solving the problems and to ensure the public access to potable water.

• The Department of Health (DOH) reached out to the emergency management services

regions to ensure that emergency medical teams were on standby. DOH has been in contact

with numerous hospitals to ensure the readiness of emergency backup generators.

• The Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA) reviewed options for staging

airlift operations. Approximately 150 Pennsylvania National Guard troops were activated

to deal with the storm. The Pennsylvania National Guard has been deploying personnel

and equipment to save the lives of those in the Commonwealth. More than 20 missions

occurred.

• The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has been in communication

with neighboring states in order to coordinate appropriate response activities. PennDOT

has been preparing appropriate waivers with the Federal Highway Administration

(FHWA), FEMA Region III, and USDOT in order to support emergency operations.

Because of road damage across approximately 37 counties, PennDOT bridge engineers and

maintenance personnel have been expending significant resources to determine the extent

of the damage to highways. Further, personnel have worked hundreds of hours opening

roadways and making them safe for travel. The various districts maintenance units

(particularly Districts 4, 5, 6 and 8) have been working on both maintenance and

engineering issues in order to keep roadways safe for travel. The flooding in certain areas

makes this an ongoing challenge. PennDOT expects that it will take until September 10,

2021, to open most major roadways.

• The Public Utility Commission (PUC) has been working with the various Commonwealth

utilities to coordinate planning and response to the events. In advance of the storm, the

electric utility PECO requested assistance from utility crews in Chicago. On September 1,

2021, more than 110,000 Pennsylvanians were without power. Power has been restored to

most of the affected customers, but as of today several hundred customers remain without

power due to overarching safety concerns. The PUC has been working non-stop over the

past days to ensure Pennsylvanians that lost utility service regain that service.

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In addition to these Commonwealth resources, various local governments have expended

resources to protect the public from the serious impacts of Tropical Depression Ida. Throughout

the Commonwealth, shelters, swift water rescue teams, and sources of sandbags were identified

and utilized. Emergency backup generators at 911 centers and other emergency services facilities

were fueled and inspected. The American Red Cross also provided substantial disaster assistance

to those impacted in Pennsylvania. The Red Cross operated numerous shelters and provided for

more than 200 overnight stays. A significant number of members of the Red Cross (mostly

volunteers) provided aid to the Pennsylvania public during Tropical Storm Ida. Lastly,

municipalities suffered shutdowns of critical water supply facilities due to debris in its facilities

resulting from severe overland flooding.

In closing, in accordance with 44 CFR § 206.36(c)(5), I certify that, for this emergency, the

Commonwealth, and local governments will assume all applicable non-federal share costs as

required by the Stafford Act.I have designated Jeffrey A. Thomas, Executive Deputy Director

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, as the Commonwealth Coordinating Officer for

this request. Mr. Thomas will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to complete

damage assessments. Mr. Thomas is authorized to provide additional information or justification

on my behalf.

Sincerely,

TOM WOLF

Governor

Enclosures

Attachment A: Weather Analysis

OMB No. 1660-0009/FEMA Form 010-0-13

A: Individual Assistance

B: Public Assistance

C: Requirements for Other Federal Agency Programs

D: Historic and Current Snowfall Data: NOT APPLICABLE HERE

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ATTACHMENT A: Detailed Weather Analysis and Effects – Tropical Depression Ida

Weather Overview

The remnants of Hurricane Ida pressed into an existing front, placing Pennsylvania directly in the path of a historic and widespread heavy rain and severe weather event between August 31 and September 2, 2021. Much of the Commonwealth was drenched with 3-6 inches of rainfall in less than 24 hours, with pockets of 7-to-9-inch totals resulting in significant flash flooding in southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA). Furthermore, several thunderstorms produced tornadoes in SEPA.

Figure 1. Rain estimates and observations show a large swath of heavy rainfall stretched from southwestern to northeastern Pennsylvania, with the highest amounts over SEPA.

Weather Leading Up to Ida

The summer of 2021 was not kind to the Commonwealth. Coming off the heels of recent heavy rains and severe weather from Tropical Storm Fred in mid-August and then Hurricane Henri roughly ten days prior to Ida’s arrival, much of SEPA was already at a reduced capacity for new rainfall. Flash flood guidance in parts of the Commonwealth, especially SEPA, were showing less than 1 inch of rain in 3-hours would trigger flash flooding. In addition, streamflow conditions were showing greater than the 75th percentile for much of the state.

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Figure 2: On the left, flash flood guidance showed <2 inches of rain (greens) and <1 inch of rain (yellows) over three hours could result in flash flooding, while the image on the right shows waterways were already running high based on historical records (blues).

July 2021 in Pennsylvania was in the top ten wettest months on record. On July 12, 2021, a narrow band of 6-10” of rain created a 100-year damaging flood over the Bensalem area of Bucks County. Furthermore, on July 29, 2021, 14 tornadoes impacted the Commonwealth, with half of those striking SEPA. Of the three tornadoes in Bucks County, one was rated an EF-3, the first tornado with a rating higher than EF-2 in Pennsylvania since 2004. Yet another tornado hit Montgomery and Bucks Counties on August 19th as the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred moved through.

Figure 3: Two significant weather events caused significant damage and hardship in Bucks County in July 2021.

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Forecast Lead-Up

The forecast leading up to event called for a moderate to high risk for flash flooding for the southeastern half of the Commonwealth per the National Weather Service (NWS) Excessive Rain Outlook (ERO). High risk designations are a rare occurrence for Pennsylvania, reserved for life threatening and damaging flash flood events. The Commonwealth has only recorded 13 high risk days prior to Ida, with half of those occurring during Lee and Irene in 2011. In 2020, Isaias produced the most recent high risk day for Pennsylvania, covering many of the same areas of SEPA impacted by Ida. The rainfall forecast called for a large swath of 3-6” of rain with pockets of 6-10” possibly embedded in southern and eastern parts of the Commonwealth. On September 1, 2021, as the event unfolded, the NWS Weather Prediction Center (NWS WPC) explicitly stated in their Day 1 ERO that a dangerous event was expected to unfold across the Commonwealth: “Signals remain strong for potentially deadly and damaging flash flooding from parts of the Mid-Atlantic region across southern New York into the southern portion of New England today and tonight...especially across highly urbanized metropolitan areas and areas of steep terrain…”

Figure 4: On September 1, the NWS WPC rainfall forecast (left) and Day 1 ERO (right) showed a rare, life-threatening, and damaging rain event set to unfold across the southeastern half of Pennsylvania.

As the event progressed, the NWS WPC issued numerous mesoscale discussions highlighting heavy rain, using phrases to include “life-threatening” and “significant”.

In addition, a growing severe weather threat was forecasted for SEPA. On August 31, 2021, at 1:30 PM, the Day 2 NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC) convective outlook for SEPA was upgraded from a level 2 “slight risk” to a level 3 “enhanced risk” for severe storms to include tornadoes and damaging winds. On the morning of September 1, 2021, the level 3 “enhanced risk”

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forecast was carried over to the Day 1 outlook covering SEPA. A rare 10% risk for a damaging tornado coincided with the enhanced risk. At 12:40 PM, a tornado watch was issued for much of SEPA, stating a few tornadoes will be likely with a couple “intense” tornadoes.

Figure 5.a: The SPC Day 1 convective outlook for September 1, 2021 shows an enhanced risk for SEPA. Issued 1:35AM September 1, 2021

Figure 5.b: The SPC convective outlook shows a 10% tornado threat, which is rare for Pennsylvania. Issued 1:35AM September 1, 2021

Ida Rainfall

Rainfall from Ida on September 1, 2021, set records at numerous climate sites in the Commonwealth. In Harrisburg, a single day total of 6.64 inches on September 1, 2021, came in third place, next to Lee in 2011 and Agnes in 1972. On the same day, the Altoona airport measured the third most single day rainfall at 5.21 inches, and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton airport received the second most rainfall in a single day at 5.09 inches. These were all recorded at long standing official NWS record locations. Table A is provided as a list of select high rainfall measurements totals compiled from NWS official sources such as WBAN, HADS, CoCoRaHS, COOP, and Trained Spotter reports. Many of these single day totals were equivalent to what would otherwise accumulate in one to two months of rainfall. A full list of rainfall reported to NWS can be found in Exhibit A.

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City County Rainfall Total Source 3.5mi SW Earl Twp Berks 7.12” HADS Buckingham Bucks 7.95” COCORAHS Phoenixville Chester 8.17” COCORAHS Downingtown 1.7mi NE Chester 8.13” COCORAHS Hatfield 2mi WSW Montgomery 7.74” COCORAHS Philadelphia 4.7mi NE Philadelphia 3.70” COCORAHS Mount Pocono Airport Monroe 5.56” WBAN Slatington 6.0mi WSW Lehigh 6.00” COCORAHS Easton 4.2mi W Northampton 5.77” COCORAHS

Table A: A list of a few of the rainfall observations across counties seeing significant impacts from Ida.

The swath of rainfall stretching from Chester through Montgomery and into Bucks counties was exceptionally intense and rare, with a return period of at least 200-year amounts.

Figure 6: With rainfall amounts of 6 to 9 inches reported across a large swath of Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties, at least a 200-year flood was depicted by the FLASH software. The rainfall impacts spread into surrounding counties in a highly urbanized area, exacerbating issues.

Furthermore, to communicate the threat to the public, four NWS offices issued numerous flash flood warnings and some flash flood emergencies for the Commonwealth. At least half of the geographical area of the Commonwealth was placed under a flash flood warning at some point during the event.

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Figure 7. Over a dozen flash flood warnings and several tornado warnings were issued on September 1, 2021, to alert residents of the hazards from Ida.

River Flooding

Leading up to the event, much of the commonwealth’s waterways were running in greater than the 75th percentile for daily streamflow. So as Ida’s rain arrived, waterways across the commonwealth were immediately impacted by heavy rain. Rapid rises were noted on numerous stream gages. Dozens of small streams and creeks across the southern and eastern part of the commonwealth exceeded flood stage, with numerous hitting moderate or major flooding. Most extensive river flooding occurred in SEPA. Table B shows the rivers which crested above previous records, some long-standing:

Stream Gage Location (County) Post-Ida Crest Previous Record Brandywine Creek – Chadds Ford (Chester) 21.04’ 17.01’ – 9/17-1999 West Branch Brandywine Creek – Modena (Chester) 13.38’ 12.47’ – 6/29/1973 Schuylkill River – Norristown (Montgomery) 26.85’ 25.10’ – 6/23/1972 East Branch Perkiomen Creek – Shwenksville (Montgomery) 16.07’ 14.03’ – 9/16/1999 Perkiomen Creek – Graterford* (Montgomery) 20.62’ 19.32’ – 8/05/2020 Neshaminy Creek – Penns Park* (Bucks) 23.40’ 23.03’ – 8/28/2011

* Gage stopped working before cresting Table B: Numerous gages in SEPA which broke previous record crests after rainfall from Ida. Crests shown for “Post-Ida” occurred on September 1-2, 2021.

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Figure 8: A snapshot of current river levels (top) and forecast river levels (bottom) on September 2, 2021, at 7 AM show many swollen waterways, especially across SEPA. Magenta and red show major and moderate flooding, respectively.

Tornadoes

As SEPA was being pummeled with intense rain and flash flooding issues, the severe weather hazard exploded across the region in the evening hours of September 1, 2021. Several tornado warnings were issued across Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties. The NWS later confirmed five tornadoes in these regions, three of which struck Bucks County. Table C below shows details on the surveys, and the NWS Mt. Holly storm surveys can be found in Exhibit B.

County Area Rating Bucks Bristol EF-1 Bucks Buckington Twp EF-1 Bucks Upper Makefield Twp EF-1 Chester Oxford EF-2 Montgomery Ft. Washington EF-2 Table C: A list of the five NWS confirmed tornadoes in Pennsylvania on September 1, 2021

Ida Event Extremes

The NWS offices serving the Commonwealth made history, issuing the first ever tornado emergency for Pennsylvania. On September 1, 2021, at 7:04PM, NWS Mt. Holly issued a tornado emergency for southeastern Bucks County, as a large, confirmed tornado was set to cross the Delaware River from New Jersey. One minute later, a flash flood emergency was issued for Bucks

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County, in response to 3-7 inches of rainfall in the county. Across the Commonwealth five flash flood emergencies were issued, with only 24 flash flood emergencies ever issued in the state previously.

Bucks County has been incredibly hard hit this year. Including the three Ida tornadoes, Bucks County alone has recorded seven tornadoes since July 29, 2021. Over one quarter of the county’s all time tornado count (seven out of 27 tornadoes) since 1950 has occurred in the six weeks between July 29, 2021, and September 1, 2021.

FEMA Form 010-0-13, (5/17) Page 1 of 4

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency

REQUEST FOR PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATION MAJOR DISASTER OR EMERGENCY 1. Request Date

Completion of this form including applicable attachments satisfies legal requirements for emergency and major disaster declaration requests under 42 U.S.C. §§ 5170 and 5191, respectively, as implemented at 44 C.F.R.. §§ 206.35 and 206.36. Failure to use this form may result in a failure to meet these requirements and/or a delay in processing the request.

2a. Name of State (as defined in Stafford Act 102, 42 U.S.C. § 5122) or Indian tribal government requesting declaration.

2b. Population (as reported by 2010 Census) or estimated population of Indian tribal government's damaged area(s).

3. Governor's or Tribal Chief Executive's Name

4. Designation of State or Tribal Coordinating Officer upon declaration (if available) and phone number

5. Designation of Governor's Authorized Representative or Tribal Chief Executive Representative upon declaration (if available) and phone number

6. Declaration Request For:

or

If requesting a "continuing" incident period, enclose an official statement from a qualified Federal Government agency acknowledged as a national authority in a specific incident field (e.g., United States Geological Survey for seismic incidents, the National Weather Service for flooding).

7b. Type of Incident (Check all that apply)

Major Disaster (Stafford Act Sec. 401)

Emergency (Stafford Act Sec. 501(a))

7. Incident Period: Beginning Date End DateContinuing

Drought Earthquake Explosion Fire Flood Hurricane Landslide

Severe Storm (rain, high water, wind-driven, rain, hail, lightning)

Snowstorm (Must include Enclosure D: Historic and Current Snowfall Data)

Straight-Line Winds

Tidal Wave Tornado Tropical Depression Tropical Storm Tsunami Volcanic Eruption

Other (please specify)

Winter Storm

Mudslide

8. Description of damages (Short description of impacts of disaster on affected area and population). Include additional details in enclosed Governor's or Tribal Chief Executive's cover letter.

9. Description of the nature and amount of State and local or Indian tribal government resources which have been or will be committed. Include additional details in enclosed Governor's or Tribal Chief Executive's cover letter.

Burden Disclosure Notice Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 9 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting the form. This collection of information is required to obtain a benefit. You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to: Information Collections Management, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0009). NOTE: Do not send your completed form to this address.

OMB Control Number 1660-0009 Expires 09/30/2019

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania12,702,379

Tom Wolf, Governor Jeffrey A. Thomas, Executive Deputy Director, 717-651-2028

Stephen Bekanich, Deputy Director for Recovery, 717-651-2231

Aug 31, 2021 Sep 5, 2021

Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Fulton, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York Counties in South Central and South East Pennsylvania experienced significant flooding and wind damage from the impacts of Tropical Depression Ida. Damage to individual homes, businesses and the government owned infrastructure occurred beginning on September 1, 2021 through September 5, 2021. Impacts from torrential rain, tornadoes and high winds caused impacts to approximately 3.5 million Commonwealth citizens. Although not all the population was directly impacted, flooded roads, evacuations and significant impacts to emergency services engaged in emergency response had the potential to affect the aforementioned citizens. Please see additional information contained in the Governor’s cover letter for details.

The Commonwealth activated the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center (CRCC), along with applicable state agencies, county and municipal emergency responders and other support and specialized teams as needed. The PA National Guard provided high profile vehicles, the PA Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team and personnel to support at the CRCC. Numerous state agencies (PA Departments of Environmental Protection, Health, Human Services, Transportation, along with State Police, Fish and Boat Commission and Public Utilities Commission) were activated in person or virtual to monitor and provide support as necessary. Numerous volunteer swift water rescue teams were deployed from the western part of Pennsylvania to provide assistance to the Commonwealth. Please see additional information contained in the Governor’s cover letter for details.

FEMA Form 010-0-13, (5/17) Page 2 of 4

10. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment*

11. Programs and Areas Requested

Please see Enclosure A: Supplemental Information for Individual Assistance for additional information in support of this request*.

*Not Required for Emergency Declaration Request

Individual Assistance

Dates PerformedIndividual Assistance

Public Assistance

Requested Start End

Dates Performed Requested Start End

Individual Assistance Accessibility Problems (Areas that could not be accessed, and why)

Public Assistance Accessibility Problems (Areas that could not be accessed, and why)

For the following jurisdictions, specify programs and areas (counties, parishes, independent cities; for Indian tribal government, list tribe(s) and/or tribal area(s)) If additional space is needed, please enclose additional documentation).

For States, identify Federally-recognized Tribes in the requested counties (if applicable).

N/A Individuals and Households Program Crisis Counseling Program

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

All Disaster Case Management Disaster Legal Services Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance

Sep 8, 2021 Sep 1, 2021 Sep 5, 2021

Sep 8, 2021 Sep 1, 2021 Sep 5, 2021

No accessibility problems were reported. The preliminary verified damages thus far of major and destroyed for Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties are 398 residences, with 56 residences destroyed, 342 with major damage, 228 with minor damage, and 72 affected. Damage assessments for Chester and Delaware counties are ongoing with damages to be determined.

The reported damage totals by the counties is in excess of $117 million dollars. Please see the breakdown in Enclosure B. It is noted that these totals have not been verified and still need to be assessed.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the following counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York, with the option to request additional counties as needed.

FEMA Form 010-0-13, (5/17) Page 3 of 4

11. Programs and Areas Requested (Continued)

Please see Enclosure B: Supplemental Information for Public Assistance for additional information in support of this request*.

Indemnification for Debris Removal Activity

Request for Direct Federal Assistance

Public Assistance N/A Debris Removal (Category A) Emergency Protective Measures (Category B)

Permanent Work (Categories C-G)* (not available for Emergency Declaration Requests)

For the following jurisdictions, specify programs and areas (counties, parishes, independent cities; for Indian tribal government, list tribe(s) and/or tribal area(s)). If additional space is needed or your request includes different categories of work for different jurisdictions; please enclose additional documentation.

For States, identify Federally-recognized Tribes included in the requested counties (if applicable).

Request for Snow Assistance

a. I request the following type(s) of assistance:

b. List of reasons why State and local or Indian tribal government cannot perform, or contract for, required work and services.

Snow assistance for the following jurisdictions (Specify counties, independent cities or tribes and/or tribal areas).

c. In accordance with 44 C.F.R. § 206.208, the State or Indian tribal government agrees that it will, with respect to direct Federal assistance: (1) Provide without cost to the United States all lands, easements, and rights-of-ways necessary to accomplish the approved work; (2) Hold and save the United States free from damages due to the requested work, and shall indemnify the Federal Government against any claims arising from such work; (3) Provide reimbursement to FEMA for the non-Federal share of the cost of such work in accordance with the provisions of the FEMA-State or FEMA-Tribe Agreement ; and (4) Assist the performing Federal agency in all support and local jurisdictional matters.

Please see Enclosure D: Historic and Current Snowfall Data for additional information in support of this request*.

*Not Required for Emergency Declaration Request

N/A I request snow assistance.

I do not anticipate the need for debris removal.

I anticipate the need for debris removal, which poses an immediate threat to lives, public health and safety. Pursuant to Sections 403 and 407 of the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5170b & 5173, the State or Indian tribal government agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the United States of America for any claims arising from the removal of debris or wreckage for this disaster. The State or Indian tribal government agrees that debris removal from public and private property will not occur until the landowner signs an unconditional authorization for the removal of debris.

I do not request direct Federal assistance at this time.

I request direct Federal assistance for work and services to save lives and protect property, and:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the following counties Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Fulton, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York with the option to request additional categories as the situation dictates.

FEMA Form 010-0-13, (5/17) Page 4 of 4

b. In response to this incident, I have taken appropriate action under State or tribal law and have directed the execution of the State or Tribal Emergency Plan on in accordance with the Stafford Act.

11. Programs and Areas Requested (Continued)

12. Mitigation Plan Information*

13. Other Federal Agency Programs

14. Findings and Certifications

15. List of Enclosures and Supporting Documentation

If anyone except the Governor or Tribal Chief Executive signs this document, please provide the documentation that establishes that this individual has the legal authority to act on behalf of the Governor or Tribal Chief Executive.

Hazard Mitigation* OR

b. Type of Plan

Statewide

For the following specific counties, parishes, independent cities or tribes and/or tribal areas.

a. Mitigation Plan Expiration Date

Governor's or Tribal Chief Executive's Signature Date

I certify the following:

Cover Letter Enclosure A (Individual Assistance)* Enclosure B (Public Assistance)*

Enclosure C (Requirements for Other Federal Agency Programs) Enclosure D (Historic and Current Snowfall Data)

Additional Supporting Documentation

Please see Enclosure C: Requirements for Other Federal Agency Programs for additional information in support of this request*.

*Not Required for Emergency Declaration Request

a. I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local government or Indian tribal government and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary.

c. The State and local governments, or Indian tribal government will assume all applicable non-Federal share of costs required by the Stafford Act.

Enhanced Standard

I do not anticipate requirements from Other Federal Agencies

I do anticipate requirements from Other Federal Agencies

Sep 1, 2021

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ENCLOSURE A TO MAJOR DISASTER REQUEST

Individual Assistance - PDA Numbers

IA Degree of Damage

County Destroyed Major Minor Affected Total PDAs start-end: Philadelphia

9 55 128 25 217 9/5/2021-9/7/2021

PDAs start-end: Montgomery

46 269 91 41 447 9/7/2021-9/8/2021 PDAs start-end: 09/8/2021-TBD

Delaware TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

PDAs start-end: Chester

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 9/8/2021-TBD PDAs start-end: York

1 18 9 6 34 9/7/2021-9/7/2021 PDAs start-end:

Bucks 0 0 0 0 0 9/8/2021-TBD Total

56 342 228 72 698

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A. Principal Factors for Individuals and Households Program

The Commonwealth, respective jurisdictions, FEMA and counties are working to complete PDAs and Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments for the affected jurisdictions. Damages to uninsured homes, including personal property losses that were directly caused by widespread overland flooding, tornadoes and excessive wind damages across the jurisdictions have been identified. These counties include Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties. The preliminary damages ranged from minor to destroyed across all jurisdictions in the identified counties. The total preliminarily verified damages so far of minor to destroyed for Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties are 698 residences, with 56 residences destroyed, 342 with major damage, 228 with minor damage, and 72 affected. Damage assessments for Chester and Delaware counties is ongoing with damages to be determined. An undetermined amount of businesses experienced varying degrees of damage which are still currently being assessed. The COVID-19 Pandemic has also placed significant constraints on Commonwealth residents which has made it impossible to absorb the costs of repair that comes as the result of uninsured or underinsured damages. Resources that have been committed to meet the needs of disaster survivors have included Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD). These organizations such as the American Red Cross (ARC) have prepared shelters and mass-feeding to support evacuated residents. Other VOAD members such as the Southern Baptist Convention, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Lions Club International, Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, Mennonite Disaster Services, United Church of Christ, Latter Day Saints Charities, and the Lutheran Disaster Response all assisted the residents that were displaced and in immediate need of assistance resulting from the Tropical Storm’s impacts.

B. Disaster Impacted Populations Profile

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania continues to assist residents with an additional focus on providing support to our most vulnerable populations during these unprecedented times. While the intensity of a disaster is important, of equal or greater importance is the presence of a population whose demographic or socioeconomic characteristics may place its members at a greater risk of harm. Poverty plays a critical role in increasing a populations vulnerability, by limiting their ability to prepare for, mitigate, and response to disasters. According to the United States Census Bureau 2018 American Community Survey, up to 24.3 percent are living in poverty. Those counties hardest hit by the severe weather events also have the lowest mean household income, highest percentage of households receiving food stamps/SNAP benefits, and some of the highest unemployment rates for the population 16 years and over. Select economic characteristics of Pennsylvania residents are displayed by county below. The listed economic characteristics may also limit its members' abilities to protect themselves and respond, it should be noted that social and cultural characteristics also play an important role. For example, language abilities, age, and disability are characteristics factors that affect a person’s vulnerability. According to the United States Census Bureau 2018 American Community Survey, an overall average of 18 percent of the impacted Pennsylvania counties’ residents are age 65 and older, and 18 percent speak a language other than English at home.

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C. Casualties

Tropical Depression Ida caused five confirmed storm-related fatalities within the Commonwealth and numerous injuries. The fatalities were as of the result of drowning and injuries were as the result of flying debris.

D. Disaster Related Unemployment

Prior to the COVID-19 Major Disaster Declaration the average number of weekly unemployment claims for 2020 was approximately~550 claims. However, since March 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has received approximately 1,330,000 unemployment claims, an outstanding number of these claims amount to 10 percent of Pennsylvania's 2010 census population. Current unemployment rate from August 2021 stands at 6.6 percent. With the unemployment rate expected to remain steady or continue to rise over the next few months as a result of the on-going disasters, additional assistance is needed to meet the needs of these continuing events.

E. Insurance

Due to the nature of the continuing rain event, many of the affected households are without flood insurance as these areas have never been affected by flooding events and are far removed from special hazard areas (or flood plains). Many of the households are already owned. Therefore, there are no mortgage holders to require insurance policies, flood or otherwise, for those properties affected.

Enclosure B - Major Disaster Request Printed 9/8/2021 10:04 AM

PA-PDA SUMMARY CAT CAT CAT CAT CAT CAT CAT Per CapitaA B C D E F G Sub-Total Insurance TOTAL Population $ / cap

State$19,053,569 vs $117,345,523 $1.50

CountyGRAND TOTALS $14,771,177 $1,835,287 $20,290,655 $45,009,023 $6,839,780 $4,181,320 $24,418,281 $117,345,523 $0 $117,345,523 12,702,379 $3.78

ADAMS $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 101,407 $0.00ALLEGHENY $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 1,223,348 $0.00ARMSTRONG $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 68,941 $0.00BEAVER $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 170,539 $0.00BEDFORD $237,000 $1,000,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,237,000 $0 $1,237,000 49,762 $24.86BERKS $50,000 $50,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 $50,000 $50,000 $350,000 $0 $350,000 411,442 $0.85BLAIR $0 $0 $90,101 $0 $0 $0 $0 $90,101 $0 $90,101 127,089 $0.71BRADFORD $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 62,622 $0.00BUCKS $2,553,032 $153,850 $6,972,733 $1,098,358 $435,280 $128,000 $22,042,000 $33,383,253 $0 $33,383,253 625,249 $53.39BUTLER $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 183,862 $0.00CAMBRIA $2,200,000 $100,000 $300,000 $5,750,000 $75,000 $555,000 $1,200,000 $10,180,000 $0 $10,180,000 143,679 $70.85CAMERON $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 5,085 $0.00CARBON $0 $1,000 $9,000 $0 $0 $0 $14,281 $24,281 $0 $24,281 65,249 $0.37CENTRE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 153,990 $0.00CHESTER $3,000,000 $0 $5,000,000 $0 $5,000,000 $0 $0 $13,000,000 $0 $13,000,000 498,886 $26.06CLARION $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 39,988 $0.00CLEARFIELD $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 81,642 $0.00CLINTON $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 39,238 $0.00COLUMBIA $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 67,295 $0.00CRAWFORD $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 88,765 $0.00CUMBERLAND $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 235,406 $0.00DAUPHIN $63,645 $69,573 $470,000 $0 $18,500 $181,000 $112,000 $914,718 $0 $914,718 268,100 $3.41DELAWARE $2,000,000 $0 $230,000 $350,000 $0 $0 $20,000 $2,600,000 $0 $2,600,000 558,979 $4.65ELK $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 31,946 $0.00ERIE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 280,566 $0.00FAYETTE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 136,606 $0.00FOREST $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 7,716 $0.00FRANKLIN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 149,618 $0.00FULTON $0 $0 $1,500,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,500,000 $0 $1,500,000 14,845 $101.04GREENE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 38,686 $0.00HUNTINGDON $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $180,000 $180,000 $0 $180,000 45,913 $3.92INDIANA $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 88,880 $0.00JEFFERSON $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 45,200 $0.00JUNIATA $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 24,636 $0.00LACKAWANNA $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 214,437 $0.00LANCASTER $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 519,445 $0.00LAWRENCE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 91,108 $0.00LEBANON $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 133,568 $0.00LEHIGH $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 349,497 $0.00LUZERNE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 320,918 $0.00LYCOMING $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 116,111 $0.00McKEAN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 43,450 $0.00MERCER $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 116,638 $0.00MIFFLIN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 46,682 $0.00MONROE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 169,842 $0.00MONTGOMERY $2,344,000 $250,000 $3,147,500 $14,500,000 $0 $200,000 $300,000 $20,741,500 $0 $20,741,500 799,874 $25.93MONTOUR $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 18,267 $0.00NORTHAMPTON $323,500 $0 $500,000 $0 $0 $0 $500,000 $1,323,500 $0 $1,323,500 297,735 $4.45NORTHUNBERLAND $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 94,528 $0.00PERRY $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 45,969 $0.00

Commonwealth Threshold = from this Preliminary Damage Assessment

COUNTIES & STATE AGENCIES

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Enclosure B - Major Disaster Request Printed 9/8/2021 10:04 AM

PA-PDA SUMMARY CAT CAT CAT CAT CAT CAT CAT Per CapitaA B C D E F G Sub-Total Insurance TOTAL Population $ / capCOUNTIES & STATE

PHILADELPHIA $2,000,000 $210,864 $21,000 $23,260,665 $1,311,000 $3,067,320 $0 $29,870,849 $0 $29,870,849 1,526,006 $19.57PIKE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 57,369 $0.00POTTER $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 17,457 $0.00SCHUYLKILL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 148,289 $0.00SNYDER $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 39,702 $0.00SOMERSET $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 77,742 $0.00SULLIVAN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 6,428 $0.00SUSQUEHANNA $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 43,356 $0.00TIOGA $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 41,981 $0.00UNION $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 44,947 $0.00VENANGO $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 54,984 $0.00WARREN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 41,815 $0.00WASHINGTON $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 207,820 $0.00WAYNE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 52,822 $0.00WESTMORELAND $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 365,169 $0.00WYOMING $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 28,276 $0.00YORK $0 $0 $1,950,321 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,950,321 $0 $1,950,321 434,972 $4.48County Totals: $14,771,177 $1,835,287 $20,290,655 $45,009,023 $6,839,780 $4,181,320 $24,418,281 $117,345,523 $0 $117,345,523 12,702,379 $9.24

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ENCLOSURE C TO MAJOR DISASTER REQUEST

Estimated Assistance from Other Federal Agency Programs

County/ Tribal Area

SBA Home Loans

SBA Business Loans

FSA Loans

NRCS FHWA USACE BIA OTHER

Bucks TBD Chester TBD Delaware TBD Montgomery TBD Philadelphia TBD York TBD Totals TBD