The National Weather Service in Philadelphia has issued a coastal flood advisory, which is to remain in effect from tonight at 11 PM through to 5 AM on Saturday. According to the advisory, residents can expect up to one foot of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. The affected regions include Gloucester, Camden, and Northwestern Burlington counties in New Jersey. In Pennsylvania, the advisory covers Delaware, Philadelphia, and Lower Bucks counties.
Communities residing near the Delaware River in Philadelphia should be prepared for minor flooding as tide levels are predicted "to quickly rise," in the words of the NWS Philadelphia. The Delaware River is expected to crest at approximately 8.7 feet MLLW, which is two feet above Mean Higher High Water, indicating a substantial departure from normal tidal conditions. This crest, predicted to occur around 1 AM on August 22, may lead to minor flooding. Motorists are being warned not to leave their vehicles in areas prone to tidal flooding and to avoid driving through floodwaters.
The coastal flood advisory comes amidst a week marked by weather contrasts. A detailed forecast from the NWS indicates that, after a slight chance of showers today, weather conditions are to progressively improve, with sunny skies expected from Friday through to the midweek. This shift follows a period of cloudy and overcast conditions, including gusty northeast winds that could reach as high as 30 mph. However, towards the weekend, the chance of precipitation rises once again with a 40% chance of showers on Sunday afternoon escalating to a 70% likelihood of rain by Sunday night.
Looking ahead beyond the coastal flood advisory, the NWS is forecasting clear and sunny days, promising relief from the imminent minor tidal flooding. The Delaware River at Burlington is also expected to experience a tidal increase, with minor flooding anticipated as the river reaches a height of 9.7 feet MLLW on August 22, as per the NWS report. Local officials and emergency services are likely to keep a watchful eye on these developments, so to better guide residents and ensure safety. Community members can find additional information regarding water levels and flood impacts for their local tide gauge by visiting the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service online.
