Philadelphia, PA – Heavy rain and thunderstorms could flood roads and neighborhoods from New Jersey to North Carolina between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday, threatening travel and urban areas along much of the I-95 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service, a Flood Watch covers major portions of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, DC, Virginia, and central North Carolina this afternoon and evening. Downpours may bring 2 to 3 inches of rain per hour in some spots, rapidly overwhelming storm drains and pushing rivers and creeks out of their banks. Cities at risk include Philadelphia, Trenton, Wilmington, Baltimore, Richmond, Raleigh, and the entire Washington DC metro.
Low-lying roads—especially in Camden, Wilmington, and Richmond—could close by evening. Emergency management agencies urge residents to move vehicles from flood-prone streets and avoid driving through water. Power outages and transit delays are possible as saturated soils increase the risk of fallen trees and blocked roads. School and work commutes in urban counties from Bucks, PA, to Wake, NC, could be impacted by waterlogged intersections and street flooding.
Rain will linger into late Wednesday night for many areas. Additional Flood Warnings may be issued as bands of rain stall over the region. Residents should monitor alerts and be ready to move to higher ground if needed.
