Philadelphia, PA – Strong thunderstorms packing hail, damaging winds, and up to 2 inches of rain are expected to sweep through the Mid-Atlantic Friday afternoon into the evening, potentially disrupting travel and raising stream levels from Virginia to southern New Jersey.
According to the National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center, the best chance for severe weather lies in northern Virginia, the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, southeast Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey. Storms are expected to develop Friday afternoon and peak in intensity through the evening.
Localized rainfall totals between 1 and 2 inches could trigger small to moderate rises on streams, especially in the Potomac, Shenandoah, Rappahannock, and Lower Delaware basins. The sharpest rises are forecast Friday evening, with flooding possible in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, and Trenton may face slow commutes, power outages, and isolated flash flooding. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and monitor alerts closely.
Confidence remains high in the timing of precipitation, with moderate confidence in exact storm placement. Additional advisories could be issued if the storm track shifts. Storm watches remain in effect through late Friday night.
