Philadelphia, PA – Intense thunderstorms are sweeping across the East Coast Thursday afternoon, bringing dangerous wind gusts, possible large hail, and flash flooding from New York City to Washington, D.C. Residents from Atlantic City and Baltimore to Philadelphia and Arlington face rapidly changing conditions, with storms capable of knocking down trees, cutting power, and snarling the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch (No. 562) remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT for eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, much of Maryland, northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and New York City. The alert covers all major metro areas, including Philadelphia, Trenton, Newark, Baltimore, and D.C., where strong to severe storms could hit at any time through this evening.
Cities along I-95 and coastal counties—including Atlantic, Monmouth, and Ocean in New Jersey; New Castle and Sussex in Delaware; Montgomery and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania; and Baltimore City and Anne Arundel in Maryland—should prepare for damaging winds over 60 mph, frequent lightning, and isolated flash floods, especially in low-lying and urban areas. Multiple agencies are urging residents to secure outdoor items, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary travel until the storms move out.
Power outages are possible, especially in tree-lined neighborhoods and near waterways. Delays are likely for evening trains along SEPTA, NJ Transit, MARC, and Amtrak routes. If driving, never cross flooded roadways. For boaters and those near the coast, hazardous winds and lightning could develop quickly from Sandy Hook, NJ, down through the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay waters.
Thunderstorm threats will gradually ease after 8 p.m., but isolated strong storms could persist overnight. Additional weather alerts or watches may be issued if conditions worsen.
