Pennsylvania – A quiet start to the week will give way to a much more active weather pattern Tuesday as a cold front pushes into the Mid-Atlantic. Drivers, commuters, and anyone with afternoon or evening plans should prepare for thunderstorms capable of becoming severe in a short amount of time.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, scattered severe thunderstorms are expected Tuesday afternoon and evening across the entire region. Forecasters warn that the strongest storms could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, torrential rainfall, and perhaps even an isolated tornado. Locally heavy rain may also lead to scattered flash flooding, especially in urban and poor-drainage areas.
The highest severe weather risk is focused across eastern Pennsylvania, where a Level 3 of 5 Enhanced Risk extends into areas including Reading, Allentown, and surrounding communities. A Level 2 Slight Risk covers much of Philadelphia, Trenton, Wilmington, Atlantic City, Dover, and southern New Jersey, where severe storms remain possible.
Travel along Interstates 95, 76, 78, 80, and the New Jersey Turnpike could become hazardous during the late afternoon and evening as heavy rain rapidly reduces visibility and strong wind gusts bring down tree limbs. Keep phones charged, secure loose outdoor items, and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
The active pattern continues into Wednesday, although the severe threat is expected to decrease. The National Weather Service says isolated strong storms and localized flooding remain possible, mainly southeast of the I-95 corridor, before conditions gradually improve later in the day.
