Forecasters warn a powerful line of storms could bring widespread wind damage, isolated tornadoes, and localized flooding Monday afternoon and evening.
Mount Holly, NJ – Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are expected to move through the Philadelphia region Monday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say confidence in a significant severe weather event has increased, with the greatest risk for widespread wind damage extending from Philadelphia west and southwest across portions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
Key Points
• Severe thunderstorms expected Monday afternoon and evening across the region
• Damaging wind gusts could exceed 75 mph in the strongest storms
• Localized flash flooding and isolated tornadoes are also possible
Powerful line of storms expected this evening
Meteorologists say multiple rounds of showers and embedded thunderstorms will develop through the afternoon as a strong cold front approaches from the west.
The most dangerous conditions are expected during the evening when a line of storms moves west to east across the region.
Some storms could become significant, capable of producing wind gusts of at least 75 mph or even EF2 tornadoes.
Damaging winds remain the primary threat
Forecasters say damaging winds will be the main hazard associated with the storms.
Outside of thunderstorms, strong southerly winds are already expected to develop throughout the afternoon with gusts between 40 and 50 mph.
A Wind Advisory remains in effect across much of the region through the overnight hours.
Winds will shift from southerly to westerly behind the cold front later tonight.
Heavy rain could cause localized flooding
In addition to severe winds, heavy rainfall from thunderstorms could lead to localized flash flooding in some areas.
Rainfall totals between a quarter and half an inch are possible, though higher amounts could occur where storms repeatedly move over the same locations.
Coastal flooding also possible
Officials are also monitoring the potential for minor coastal flooding along portions of the Jersey Shore and Delaware coast.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Ocean County in New Jersey and Sussex County in Delaware through Monday night.
Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-60s during the day before dropping sharply into the lower 30s overnight once the cold front passes.