Another Major Storm Could Bring Heavy Rain, Flooding To Eastern PA

EASTERN PA — For the second weekend in a row, a major storm system is expected to slam into eastern Pennsylvania, bringing with it heavy rain and the potential for more flooding.

Rain is expected to start Sunday afternoon and could continue into the evening hours Monday, forecasters said.

"While rainfall amounts will depend on the track and speed of the storm, it looks like a general 1-2 inches and this will be falling on saturated ground," the National Weather Service's Mt. Holly, New Jersey branch said Thursday morning. "As a result some flooding risk looks to be in place, especially if much of the heavier rain falls in a shorter period of time."

The storm that hit last weekend brought with it several inches of rain, causing flooding of several area creeks and rivers. While that flooding was largely minor — the Schuylkill River was briefly washed over between Gulph Mills and King of Prussia, but there were no significant incidents — the same precipitation could do more damage this time.

Both localized flooding and travel disruptions are expected in the entire greater Philadelphia area and a band of the eastern part of the state, according to Accuweather. Travel issues are expected.

"As the storm moves farther north, the downpours could dramatically impact commutes on Monday from the Philadelphia and New York Tri-State areas into New England," Accuweather said.

The odds for heavy, gusty winds are also high, forecasters added.

The storm will interrupt several days of peaceful, milder weather, with sunshine, little wind, and highs in the mid-50s for much of the next several days. A similar relatively peaceful stretch is expected to follow the storm in the leadup to the holidays, forecasters said.

Here's the full forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 34. West wind around 5 mph.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.

Saturday night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Sunday

A chance of rain after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday night

Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday

Rain. High near 57. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday night

A chance of rain before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.