Philadelphia residents are bracing for a series of heavy showers and a potential thunderstorm, with the forecast calling for a high near 72 today. As per the National Weather Service (NWS), showers are likely mainly after 5 pm, accompanied by gusty winds that could reach 25 miles per hour. The evening is set to intensify, with a 100% chance of precipitation and possible heavy rainfall.
The coastal areas are on alert as a Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect from 2 AM to 9 AM EDT Friday, with one to two feet of inundation above ground level anticipated in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. The flood advisory previously issued has expired. The areas impacted include Gloucester, Camden, Northwestern Burlington in New Jersey, and Delaware, Philadelphia, and Lower Bucks in Pennsylvania. Widespread roadway flooding occurs along tidal waterways at this level, and some roads become impassable, warns the NWS. Motorists are urged to heed road closures and not to circumvent barricades or drive through water of unknown depth.
As the weekend nears, Friday night will offer a slight respite with a 30% chance of showers before a breezy and partly sunny Saturday rolls in. However, coastal regions are still urged to prepare for moderate flooding. The Delaware River at Philadelphia is expected to reach a height of 9.6 feet, while the Delaware River at Burlington could crest at 10.7 feet, both resulting in moderate flooding according to the flood warning issued by the NWS.
The weather conditions are expected to ease up starting Sunday with mostly sunny skies and a high near 72 degrees. With Monday and Tuesday promising sunny spells and highs nearing the upper 70s, however, Philadelphia hasn't seen the end of the showers just yet. The NWS points to a 30% chance of rain come Tuesday night, a mild precursor to possible showers midway through the subsequent week.
The National Weather Service advises residents to stay informed on the latest weather updates as the conditions develop. While the hazardous weather outlook for Philadelphia County indicates the probability for widespread hazardous weather is low after tonight.
