The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ, has issued a wind advisory for parts of Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia. Winds could gust up to 50 mph, and the advisory will be in effect from 7 PM tonight until 7 AM tomorrow. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, such as lawn decorations and trash bins, to prevent them from blowing away.
The advisory calls for steady west winds of 15 to 20 mph, with stronger gusts that could shake windows and move weak tree branches. These conditions may lead to minor damage or isolated power outages. While strong winds are not unusual for the area, they can still cause problems for residents and city crews. Drivers of high-profile vehicles, such as trucks and vans, are advised to use extra caution on the roads.
While the advisory spans several counties, including New Castle, Kent, and Inland Sussex in Delaware; Middlesex, Mercer, and parts of New Jersey; and extends to Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester counties in Pennsylvania, it’s the metropolitan hubs that might feel the bluster the most. Cities like Wilmington, Dover, and of course, Philadelphia will see those unsecured objects take flight if not battened down. The NWS advisory makes it clear, stating, "Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result."
To add to the mix, the wind marks a prelude to fluctuating weather over the coming days, with the NWS Philadelphia forecast promising a veritable grab-bag of conditions—increased cloud cover is expected today, with a high nearing 67 degrees, though things take a sharp turn with tonight's clear skies accompanied by brisk northwest winds. Moreover, later in the week, Friday night’s forecast spells rain, and over the weekend, those same clouds set the stage for rain's return on Sunday, a soft tease of the cooler, partly sunny efforts expected to usher in the start of the following week.
