Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A more active weather pattern will settle over the Delaware Valley beginning Monday, bringing several rounds of thunderstorms that could culminate in severe weather and flash flooding Tuesday across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, scattered thunderstorms are expected Monday afternoon and evening, with a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather across the region. A few storms may become strong enough to produce locally damaging wind gusts and brief heavy downpours, especially from Philadelphia and Allentown to Trenton, Wilmington, Atlantic City and Cape May.
The threat increases significantly Tuesday as more widespread showers and thunderstorms develop. The Storm Prediction Center has placed southern New Jersey, Delaware and areas south of Philadelphia under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms, while surrounding areas remain under a Marginal Risk. Damaging straight-line winds and torrential rainfall will be the primary hazards.
According to the Weather Prediction Center, much of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware is also under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 4) for excessive rainfall Tuesday. Rainfall rates of 2 inches per hour or greater are possible, creating the potential for flash flooding in urban areas, poor drainage locations, creeks and small streams. While widespread river flooding is not currently forecast, localized heavy rain could cause rapid rises on smaller waterways.
Residents should closely monitor forecast updates, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and avoid driving through flooded roads. The greatest impacts are expected from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening, and additional watches or warnings may be issued as confidence in the storm system increases.
