Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain threaten much of eastern Pennsylvania this evening as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday, putting millions from Philadelphia to Allentown on high alert.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes Adams, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and York counties. The main risks are wind gusts up to 60 mph, quarter-sized hail, and localized flash flooding, especially along I-76, I-78, and I-81 corridors. Scattered power outages are possible, and delays could impact both SEPTA rail and Philadelphia International Airport flights.
Residents from Harrisburg to the Lehigh Valley are urged to secure outdoor objects, charge mobile devices, and avoid unnecessary travel as storms could down trees and power lines. School and camp activities may be delayed or cancelled, with emergency management advising drivers to stay off the roads during severe weather. The last time this region saw similar widespread warnings was in July 2023, when storms knocked out power to over 100,000 customers.
The thunderstorm threat is expected to wind down late tonight, but new watches or warnings could be issued if storms linger or redevelop. Residents should monitor local alerts and be ready for changing conditions through the evening.
