Rain, Wind, Thunder To Slam Philly Area In Cross-Country Storm

EASTERN PA — A storm stretching 2,600 miles across the nation will bring days of rain, powerful winds, and thunderstorms to the greater Philadelphia region, according to forecasters. While parts of northern and central Pennsylvania could see significant snow and ice accumulation, it does not appear that temperatures will be cold enough for anything to freeze in the southeastern part of the state.

While historic snow totals are possible in parts of the midwest, "in the storm's warm sector, showers may be accompanied by thunder and lightning," AccuWeather says.

The storm will begin early Tuesday with showers and thunderstorms starting in the afternoon and continuing into the early evening, the National Weather Service said.

Wind gusts could reach 30 miles per hour, and though only a small amount of rain is predicted to fall across the region, higher amounts are possible in the midst of thunderstorms, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service considers the region to have a "marginal" risk of isolated thunderstorms being severe Tuesday. However, damaging wind gusts appear to be the primary impact of concern.

On Wednesday, rain is most likely after 4 p.m., and then again after 1 a.m. in the morning. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is predicted.

There's another chance of rain on Thursday morning as the storm front moves out, though there's only a 30 percent likelihood of precipitation. And some warm weather is coming in as the storm moves out, marking a drastic reversal from Wednesday as the high temperature Thursday is 68.

That would be almost a 30 degree temperature switch after a forecasted low of 39 on Wednesday night.

The same storm front could dump up to 18 inches of snow on parts of the midwest, according to AccuWeather, while leaving parts of New York state and New England submerged as well.

Here's the full forecast for the remainder of the week:

Tuesday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Cloudy early, then gradual clearing, with a high near 54. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday night

A chance of showers before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday night

Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 43. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday night

Rain likely, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 39. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday

A chance of rain before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Breezy.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 45. Breezy.

Friday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 23.

Saturday

A chance of rain after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday night

A chance of snow before 1am, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

Sunday night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 32