Mount Holly, New Jersey – Residents across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and adjacent northeastern Maryland should prepare for a prolonged stretch of hazardous weather as heavy rain and severe thunderstorms increase the risk of flash flooding, damaging winds and a few tornadoes beginning today and continuing into Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Flood Watch is in effect across the Philadelphia metropolitan area and points north. The watch runs from 8 a.m. today through 2 p.m. Wednesday south of Interstate 78 and through 8 p.m. Wednesday along and north of Interstate 78. The greatest flood risk is centered across northern New Jersey, especially along the Interstate 78 and Interstate 80 corridors.
Periods of heavy rain are expected to begin this morning and continue on and off through Wednesday night. Rainfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour, creating the potential for rapid flash flooding in urban areas, poor-drainage locations, creeks and streams. While widespread mainstem river flooding is not currently expected, smaller waterways could rise quickly if repeated downpours occur.
Severe thunderstorms are also expected this afternoon and evening, with the highest threat across southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delmarva. The strongest storms may produce damaging wind gusts capable of downing trees and power lines, leading to scattered power outages and road closures. Forecasters also warn that a few tornadoes are possible, along with dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning.
Communities including Philadelphia, Trenton, Allentown, Reading, Wilmington, Vineland, Toms River, Atlantic City, Dover and Georgetown should closely monitor changing conditions through tonight. Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways, secure loose outdoor items and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. Additional Flash Flood Warnings, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Tornado Warnings may be issued with little notice as storms develop.
