The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Flood Watch for parts of New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania effective from 10 AM EDT today through this evening. According to the forecast, heavy rainfall from the remnants of Chantal is expected to bring 1 to 2 inches of rain across the urban corridor, with the potential for isolated amounts up to 5 inches. This could lead to flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
The Flood Watch area includes multiple counties such as Hunterdon, Somerset, and Mercer in New Jersey, and Delaware, Eastern Chester, and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service cautions that "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas." Citizens are advised to be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued and to monitor forecasts for updates.
In addition to the potential flooding, a Heat Advisory has been declared for Tuesday, with heat index values forecasted to rise up to 103 degrees. The advisory spans from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT on Tuesday, covering New Castle County in Delaware, as well as Camden, Gloucester, and Ocean among others in New Jersey. Similarly impacted are Delaware and Philadelphia Counties in Pennsylvania. The high temperatures paired with humidity are likely to create heat illnesses, and the public is urged to stay hydrated, remain indoors as much as possible, and wear appropriate clothing if they have to be outside.
Regional residents should expect a week filled with intermittent showers and thunderstorms, as the National Weather Service also predicts varied chances of precipitation with new rainfall amounts from a quarter to three-quarters of an inch possible through the upcoming nights. This active weather pattern emphasizes the need to be constantly vigilant and to closely follow the evolving weather conditions, especially those planning outdoor activities. Precautionary steps include keeping abreast of local forecasts and having a plan to seek shelter in case severe weather suddenly appears.
