Tonight, Mayor Michael Nutter made it clear that no one should be leaving their homes – or getting on the roads – for their own safety, as Hurricane Irene makes its way up the East Coast.

Issuing a State of Emergency for the city, Nutter advised Philadelphians in certain high-risk flooding zones to seek refuge at shelters in the city.

The worse of Hurricane Irene, a Category 1 ‘cane, is expected to hit Philly over the course of the night and into the morning.

News reports indicate that power outages in the city are very likely – and the lifespan of them could be upwards of 10 days, in some areas.

Temple’s libraries will be closed tomorrow. In addition, tonight’s Welcome Week concert, a performance by Chiddy Bang, has been postponed until tomorrow night, at 8 p.m. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

The Temple News will bring you coverage of Hurricane Irene’s effect on the campus and the surrounding community as information becomes available. Check temple-news.com tomorrow night for more.

Where are you riding out the hurricane? Comment below and let us know!