A Flood Watch is now in effect from 2 p.m. Monday afternoon through late Monday night for portions of southeastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware and New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly.
The watch includes Upper Bucks, Lower Bucks, Eastern Montgomery, Western Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, and surrounding areas.
Forecasters say showers and thunderstorms are expected to move through the region Monday afternoon and evening. Some storms could become severe and produce heavy rainfall, with rainfall rates potentially reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour in parts of the watch area.
The National Weather Service says flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, especially where heavier thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same locations.
Locally, Monday’s forecast calls for a chance of showers before 11 a.m., followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Showers are likely after 2 p.m., with some storms capable of producing heavy rainfall. The high is expected to be near 76 degrees, with east winds between 5 and 15 mph. Rainfall totals during the day could range from three-quarters of an inch to one inch.
Monday night, showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue, mainly before 1 a.m. Some storms could again be severe and produce heavy rainfall. The overnight low will be around 63 degrees, with additional rainfall amounts between one-half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
Residents are urged to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
Drivers should avoid flooded roadways and never attempt to drive through water-covered streets. Conditions can change quickly during heavy thunderstorms, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
