BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. — A Flood Watch remains in effect Thursday for portions of southeastern Pennsylvania as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms could produce torrential rainfall and flash flooding.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly says the Flood Watch is in effect from noon Thursday through late Thursday night for Upper and Lower Bucks County, eastern and western Montgomery County, Philadelphia, Delaware County and Chester County, along with portions of New Jersey and northern Delaware.
Forecasters expect showers to become more widespread Thursday afternoon, with thunderstorms developing across the region. The chance of precipitation is around 90%, with daytime rainfall totals generally between three-quarters of an inch and one inch possible.
The greater concern will be thunderstorms capable of producing extremely heavy rainfall over a short period of time.
According to the National Weather Service, rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour will be possible during the strongest storms. Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected, while localized areas could receive 3 to 5 inches.
Those higher amounts could quickly overwhelm storm drains and lead to flash flooding, particularly in urban areas and locations that have poor drainage.
Creeks and streams could also rise rapidly, while excessive runoff may cause flooding along low-lying and flood-prone roads.
Drivers should never attempt to cross a roadway covered by floodwater. Water can be deeper and moving faster than it appears, and roads underneath may be damaged or washed away.
Thursday Forecast
Showers and thunderstorms are expected mainly after noon with a high near 77 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming northerly around 5 mph during the afternoon.
Thursday night, showers and thunderstorms remain likely, mainly during the evening. The overnight low will fall to around 60 degrees, with additional rainfall of roughly one-quarter to one-half inch possible.
The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor forecasts throughout the day and be prepared to take action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
First Source News will continue monitoring the weather and provide updates if warnings, flooding or significant storm damage develops across the region.
