Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A dangerous severe weather outbreak is expected across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and northern Delaware today, with multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, large hail and flash flooding. The greatest threat begins late this morning and continues through tonight, prompting a Flash Flood Watch from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. for portions of the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, the Delaware Valley is under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe thunderstorms, with scattered to numerous storms expected from 10 a.m. through midnight. Forecasters warn that damaging straight-line winds are the primary hazard, but a strong EF2 tornado is possible, especially if discrete storms develop ahead of the main line. Large hail and multiple rounds of torrential rainfall will further increase the threat.
The Flash Flood Watch covers portions of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and northern Delaware, primarily along and northwest of the Interstate 95 corridor. Rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour are possible, creating a significant risk of flash flooding in urban areas, poor-drainage locations, creeks and small streams. While widespread river flooding is not expected, rapid rises on smaller waterways are possible where storms repeatedly track over the same locations.
Communities including Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, Trenton, Princeton, Wilmington, Dover, Vineland, Atlantic City, Cape May, Georgetown and Middletown should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions. Travel along I-95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), I-295, the Atlantic City Expressway and the New Jersey Turnpike could become hazardous due to flooding, damaging winds and reduced visibility.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, secure loose outdoor items before storms arrive and be ready to take shelter immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued. Never drive through flooded roadways, as water depths can rise quickly and conceal dangerous conditions.
The severe weather threat will gradually diminish overnight, but additional watches and warnings are expected as storms develop across the region throughout the day.
