Mid-Atlantic Region – Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected across much of the Mid-Atlantic today and tonight, bringing periods of heavy rainfall from Virginia to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and surrounding areas.
According to the National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center, most locations are expected to receive between 0.5 and 1.25 inches of rainfall through early Thursday, with locally higher amounts possible where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same areas.
Forecast rainfall totals generally range from around one-half inch across parts of western Pennsylvania to more than an inch in portions of Maryland, northern Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania.
The rain is expected to benefit many communities that have experienced below-normal precipitation in recent weeks. Recent rainfall departure maps show much of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and portions of Virginia running drier than average over the past month.
However, forecasters caution that summertime thunderstorms can produce highly localized heavy rainfall. While widespread river flooding is not anticipated, isolated urban and poor-drainage flooding could develop where the heaviest downpours occur.
The greatest concern may be along portions of the heavily populated Interstate 95 corridor, where intense rainfall rates could temporarily overwhelm drainage systems and lead to ponding on roads during the evening commute and overnight hours.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and remain alert for any Flash Flood Warnings that may be issued.
The National Weather Service currently expects rivers and larger waterways to remain below flood stage despite the incoming rainfall.
