Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Residents across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware should prepare for a dangerous round of severe weather Tuesday afternoon and evening, with damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, large hail and flash flooding all expected to threaten travel and power infrastructure during one of the busiest parts of the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, the greatest severe weather threat is expected between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, when scattered to numerous thunderstorms could rapidly become severe. Forecasters warn that damaging straight-line winds are the primary concern, but a few tornadoes and large hail are also possible across the region. An Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) covers much of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Heavy rainfall is expected to accompany the strongest storms, with rainfall rates reaching 2 to 3 inches per hour. The National Weather Service says flash flooding is possible through 2 a.m. Wednesday, especially in urban areas, poor-drainage locations, creeks and streams. The greatest flood risk includes southeastern Pennsylvania, much of New Jersey and northern Delaware, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor.
Communities including Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, Trenton, Camden, Wilmington, Dover, Atlantic City and surrounding suburbs should be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Travel on Interstate 95, Interstate 76, Interstate 295, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Atlantic City Expressway could become hazardous due to flooded roads, fallen trees, reduced visibility and scattered power outages.
Residents should complete outdoor preparations before storms develop, secure loose objects, charge electronic devices and ensure multiple ways to receive weather warnings. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued, move to higher ground immediately and never drive through flooded roadways. If a Tornado Warning is issued, seek shelter on the lowest floor of a sturdy building away from windows.
Thunderstorms are expected to gradually weaken later Tuesday night, but flash flooding could continue into the early morning hours Wednesday. Additional Severe Thunderstorm, Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings are likely as storms develop, so residents should stay weather-aware throughout the day and evening.
