Severe Storm Brings Flooding, Tornado Risk To Philly Area: Latest Timeline

EASTERN PA — A powerful and potentially destructive storm front will hit the greater Philadelphia region on Thursday into Thursday night, with downpours, strong wind gusts, thunderstorms, and possibly even a "weak, brief" tornado, forecasters said. It's set to slam into the Delaware Valley a day after it hit the Atlanta area and caused Game 2 of the Phillies National League Division Series to be delayed for hours.

Storms are likely between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. There is still some variability in the forecast.

"The intensity of storms will depend on how warm we get, however a narrow line of heavy showers and embedded thunder from later in the afternoon to early evening could produce locally damaging winds," the National Weather Service added.

"While the most common risks from the storms will stem from strong wind gusts that can break tree limbs and trigger sporadic power outages as well as torrential downpours that can lead to flash urban flooding, there is the potential for a couple of isolated tornadoes to spin up as well," AccuWeather added.

The strongest rainstorms are likely to fall north and west of the I-95 corridor, forecasters said. The area north of Allentown is at higher risk for the greatest damages.

AccuWeather expects 1-2 inches of rain to fall in the greater Philadelphia area.

Here's the latest forecast for the Philadelphia area from the National Weather Service:

Thursday

Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 70. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then scattered showers between 1am and 3am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 52. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 65. West wind around 5 mph.

Friday night

Clear, with a low around 43. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 70. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Saturday night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.

Sunday night

A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday

A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Monday night

A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 40%.