A First Alert was issued for Monday afternoon and evening due to severe storms that brought gusty winds and heavy rain. A tornado warning was even in effect for Chester, Montgomery and Delaware counties in the early evening hours. The storms also caused around a two-hour delay during halftime of Monday afternoon’s FIFA World Cup match at Lincoln Financial Field between France and Iraq. Following the severe storms, residents in the region are working together to clean up the significant damage. Flooding damages cars, basements in Philadelphia neighborhoods Families in Philadelphia spent Tuesday cleaning up after heavy rain sent floodwaters rushing through streets, damaging vehicles and flooding basements in some neighborhoods. One of the hardest-hit areas was in the city’s West Oak Lane section, where residents were still assessing the damage a day after the storms moved through. Video from nearby Germantown showed water gushing down streets Monday night as runoff flowed toward lower-lying areas. “It was like almost baby Niagara Falls but flat,” said Butch Williams, who was helping his daughter’s family clean up their property on Beechwood Street. Williams said floodwaters caused significant damage. Family members shared video showing their vehicles floating away in the rushing water. “They got water all the way up to the top of the engine, it went over the gas tank line,” said Malik Reed of West Oak Lane. Residents said clogged storm drains contributed to the flooding, worsening conditions in areas already prone to taking on water during heavy rain. At one low-lying intersection, permanent signs warn drivers that the area floods. By Tuesday, storm drains had been cleared, but neighbors were still dealing with the aftermath. Disabled Navy veteran’s outdoor kitchen destroyed by fallen tree A disabled Navy veteran known for feeding people in need is facing a major setback after strong storms brought down a massive tree on his property in Chester. Lamont Harris said he was overwhelmed as he looked at the damage left behind in his backyard. “It’s just a force of nature. I never thought this tree would fall,” Harris said. The storms had swept through the Delaware County city, sending a huge tree crashing onto Harris’ outdoor kitchen, the side of his home and at least two neighboring houses. “Just trying to hold it in, that’s all, just trying to hold it in,” Harris said. “I’m a hard charger; I have to overcome that hill.” The damage is especially difficult because Harris said the outdoor kitchen serves as a place of healing while he manages PTSD and depression. “I fight these battles with PTSD and depression all the time,” Harris said. “And this is what I do. Sometimes I come out here and cook. You’ll find me out here 1-2 a.m., cause I can’t sleep, had a nightmare.” For the past 20 years, Harris has dedicated himself to feeding people experiencing homelessness and others in need. Friends and neighbors describe him as a community hero whose work has touched countless lives. “When I heard that this happened, the first thing I did was come over,” friend Jayci Mollichella said. “Cause I said I need to check on him, I need to come over, make sure he’s okay. I know this is the way he battles his PTSD. I know he’s a disabled veteran.” Despite the destruction, Harris said he remains determined to move forward. “I just got to make it happen somehow,” Harris said. “I have to accept the challenge and overcome it.” Even as he deals with the damage to his own property, Harris said he is focused on continuing to help others. “You’re still thinking of others, you’re not thinking of yourself, but thinking how am I going to feed the homeless, those less fortunate than I am?” Harris said. “Why should I be selfish? How can I go to bed full when my neighbor’s hungry? I can do that.” This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less