A Flood Watch is in effect across a large portion of southeastern Pennsylvania, southern and central New Jersey and northern Delaware as rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms move through the region.
The watch went into effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday and will remain in place through Wednesday afternoon.
The National Weather Service said widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout Tuesday and into Tuesday night. Some storms could produce very heavy rainfall, with rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour possible.
Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected across the region, with locally higher amounts possible in areas where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same locations.
Areas Included in the Flood Watch
In Pennsylvania, the watch includes Berks, Delaware, Philadelphia, Western Chester, Eastern Chester, Western Montgomery, Eastern Montgomery, Upper Bucks and Lower Bucks counties.
In New Jersey, the watch includes Western Monmouth, Eastern Monmouth, Mercer, Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Northwestern Burlington, Southeastern Burlington, Ocean and Coastal Ocean counties.
New Castle County in Delaware is also included in the watch.
Cities and communities within the watch area include Lansdale, Oxford, Camden, Kennett Square, Sandy Hook, Wharton State Forest, Freehold, Media, Collegeville, Pennsville, Mount Holly, West Chester, Pottstown, Perkasie, Morrisville, Honey Brook, Reading, Wilmington, Glassboro, Trenton, Jackson, Long Beach Island, Philadelphia, Moorestown, Doylestown, Chalfont, Cherry Hill and Norristown.
Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Expected
The forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m., followed by additional showers and possible thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening.
Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high near 79 degrees, with south winds between 5 and 10 mph and gusts as high as 20 mph.
The chance of rain is 90%, with between three-quarters of an inch and one inch of rainfall possible during the daytime hours.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue Tuesday night before becoming more scattered later in the evening. Some storms could continue producing heavy rainfall.
Another half-inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain may fall overnight. Temperatures are expected to drop to around 63 degrees.
Flash Flooding Possible
Excessive runoff could cause flooding along rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying or flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams could rise out of their banks, while flooding may also develop in urban areas, poor-drainage locations and roadways that are especially vulnerable during periods of heavy rain.
The greatest threat may occur in areas that receive repeated thunderstorms or intense rainfall over a short period of time.
Drivers should never attempt to travel through a flooded roadway. Water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears, and the road beneath the water may be damaged or washed away.
Residents across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware should continue monitoring weather conditions and be prepared to take immediate action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
First Source News will continue monitoring the sto
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