The City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is seeking volunteers to assist in cleaning up the aftermath of a tornado that struck earlier this month. The cleanup efforts will take place today, tomorrow, and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the areas of Briarcliff Street, Chestnut Street, and Parkhill Lane.
The tornado, classified as an EF1, touched down on August 9, causing significant damage in Harrisburg and its eastern suburbs. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado had estimated peak winds of 105 miles per hour and was on the ground for about 3.5 miles.
Volunteers are asked to help move downed tree limbs and shrubbery to the curb, where public works crews will use heavy equipment trucks to collect debris, cut up tree limbs, and run logs through wood chippers. The city advises volunteers to wear closed-toed shoes, pants, and long-sleeve shirts, and to bring rakes and loppers if available. Water, porta-potties, and a shade tent will be provided by the city.
Parking for volunteers is available at The Bridge Eco-Village, the former Bishop McDevitt High School. During the cleanup, through traffic will be closed to non-emergency vehicles between the intersections of Briarcliff and Market streets and Chestnut Street and Pentwater Road.
Public Works Director Dave West said in a statement, “We are calling on Harrisburg residents to help our own in their time of need. This tornado has massively devastated our community, and we are using every possible asset that we can to try and clean up this entire area so we can make the city better for our children, and all of our residents.”