The greater Philadelphia area is bracing for a second consecutive day of heavy rain on Tuesday, following a severe storm that caused widespread flooding on Monday. While the chances for flash floods are reduced compared to the previous day, forecasters still predict isolated thunderstorms capable of producing significant rainfall throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
On Monday, parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania were severely impacted by torrential downpours, leading to a state of emergency in New Jersey as numerous towns experienced flooded roadways and homes. Tragically, two fatalities were reported in New Jersey when a vehicle was swept away in the severe conditions.
The National Weather Service has indicated that, despite the lower risk for flooding on Tuesday, areas in central and southern Delaware and Maryland may still face the potential for intense storms. Monday’s storm was notably ferocious in areas like the Scranton and Lancaster County regions where rainfall exceeded 7 inches in just two hours, creating treacherous driving conditions.
In preparation for more storms, a flood warning was issued for parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, including Montgomery County and Philadelphia, although the severe impact was generally avoided there. Most areas within the five-county region recorded between 1 and 2 inches of rain on Monday, a situation that poses continuing threats with more rain expected later this week.
Forecasters advise remaining cautious as the chance of storms persists with further rain and thunderstorms anticipated on Wednesday and Friday. With elevated temperatures reaching a high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit, the conditions could exacerbate storm intensities, as warmer air is known to hold more moisture and fuel powerful storms.
Accuweather highlights that for every increase of one degree Celsius in temperature, the atmosphere can retain approximately 7 percent more water vapor, which contributes to intense rainfall patterns seen across the country this summer.
As the community recovers from the recent deluge, it is essential to stay informed about the developing weather conditions and heed local advisories for the safety of all residents.