We have learned that there were still a number of West Philly residents without power as of last night as a result of Hurricane Irene. Resident Ben Jacobs wrote us that there was no power on the 400 block of S. 43rd Street since 9 a.m. yesterday morning.

PECO couldn’t provide estimates for West Philadelphia in particular, but there are 5,000 PECO customers in Philadelphia County without power today. Director of Communications for PECO Karen Muldoon Geus said in an email that they expect that power to some 90 percent of customers will be restored by Wednesday and the remainder by the weekend.

Help keep us and your neighbors up-to-date on power issues at your place by dropping a comment below.

The Schuylkill River is expected to crest tonight and into tomorrow morning at about 15 feet, its highest level since 1869, according to local authorities. It is already lapping at the Schuylkill Expressway across from Center City and has overrun its banks in some places. This shot was taken at about 3 p.m. today from the South Street Bridge.

Almost a million people along the East Coast are already without power and it seems like a good bet that many of us will be without it for some period of time. We have collected some info on power outages and other info below. Oh, and the State store closes at 9 p.m.

From PECO:

• Customers without power should contact the company at 1-800-841-4141.  The more customers who call to report an outage, the more effectively PECO can dispatch crews and restore service.  The company’s automated telephone system can quickly record your outage, allowing our Customer Care representatives to remain available to handle reports of dangerous situations.

• Stay away from downed wires, damaged electric equipment, and tree limbs and branches contacting electrical equipment.  Always assume PECO’s equipment is energized – even if there is an outage in your neighborhood. Report these dangerous conditions to PECO immediately.

• Turn off and unplug appliances and other devices to prevent possible damage.  Remember to keep one light on so you know when service has been restored.

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.  Move meats, cheese, milk, etc. into the freezer to stay colder longer.  A partially full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 24 hours, and up to 48 hours when full.

From the City:

• What should I do if the street floods due to a clog inlet? A: Call the Philly Water Dept at 215-685-6300

• What shelters are open? A: Three shelters are scheduled to open at 6pm today: Bartram, Lincoln & Roxborough High Schools

• Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW): 215-235-1212

• Philadelphia Water Department (PWD): 215-685-6300

The CVS at 43rd and Locust is not the place to go if you are on a last-minute hunt for batteries or water. They do have plenty of over-priced aromatic candles left though.
 

Hurricane Irene has caused some service and event cancellations and closings in the city. Here’s what we have so far as concerns our area. Drop a comment if you have anything to add.

Services:

• SEPTA is canceling service from 12:30 a.m. until noon on Sunday.

Events:

• 40th Street Summer Music Series concert by Viex Farka Toure & Kyo Daiko canceled (originally scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday).
• Mantua Community Improvement Committee’s 7th annual Family Day Festival canceled (originally scheduled for Saturday, noon to 7 p.m.). The event will be rescheduled.
• Street Movies! outdoor short film screening at Milk Creek Playground (4700 Brown St.) canceled (originally scheduled for Saturday, 7:30 p.m.). The event is rescheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 31.
• Rockin it Clean Live show at The Rotunda canceled (originally scheduled for Saturday, 6:30 p.m.). The show is rescheduled for Oct. 8.

Closings:

• Penn Museum is closed both Saturday and Sunday.
• World Cafe Live is closed Sunday and tomorrow’s shows are postponed.