Riding out Irene in the city

Whether we like it or not, Hurricane Irene is heading our way. Here's some key information from the city about how best to deal with the storm.

*  The city is expecting 6 to 9 inches of rain through tomorrow, with heavy winds tonight into tomorrow. Flooding is expected on roads, along streams and along the Schuylkill.

*  All SEPTA service - buses, subway, trolleys and regional rail - will halt at about half an hour past midnight tonight and resume after the storm passes tomorrow. Some regional rail lines will stop earlier, at 5 p.m. today. Those affected are the Airport, Chestnut Hill West, Wilmington, Trenton and Paoli lines.

*  City parks and recreation centers will all close at 6 p.m. today.

*  If you live in a flood-prone part of the city near the Schuylkill, Delaware River or creeks and streams, the city urges you to leave home and ride out the storm somewhere else.

*  Shelters will be available starting at 6 p.m. today at Bartram High School, Lincoln High School and Roxborough High School.

*  The city's 3-1-1 Call Center will be available around the clock through Monday. Emergency preparedness information and storm details will be on www.phila.gov/ready.