Pre-Thanksgiving Storm To Bring Soaking Rain To Philly Area

PENNSYLVANIA — A "significant storm" packing soaking rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding is expected to arrive in Pennsylvania just in time for Thanksgiving travelers to hit the road.

"Our first good soaking rain in weeks is forecasted to arrive Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning," forecasters with the US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly said.

The storm is expected to bring gusty winds of 25 to 35 mph (with localized gusts up to 45 mph along the coast). Some coastal flooding may be possible.

While the rain is needed since it has been so dry, it could cause impacts to the 55 and 56 million people expected to hit the roads, skies and rails during Thanksgiving week, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The greatest negative travel impacts associated with the storm will be from Tuesday to Tuesday night in the Northeast, with some weather-related travel issues lingering into Wednesday, AccuWeather meteorologists said.

"The stiff east-to-southeast winds averaging 25-35 mph with gusts of 40-45 mph can pose a problem at some of the airports from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia and New York City with the worst conditions likely from late Tuesday afternoon to Tuesday evening," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines said.

Airline delays are most likely during this time due to winds, drenching rain and poor visibility, according to AccuWeather.

Those heading to the airport should double check their flights as delays or cancellations could be possible.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast:

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday: Rain likely after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. East wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 47. East wind 10 to 15 mph becoming south after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Wednesday: A slight chance of rain before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Thanksgiving Day: Sunny, with a high near 51.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.