Power Outages, Wind Damage, 45 MPH Gusts Possible In Philly Area Storm

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Forecasters are warning of power outages, wind damage, and Friday morning travel concerns around southeastern Pennsylvania as a storm expected to bring thunderstorms and up to 45 mph wind gusts approaches.

A wind advisory has been issued in the five-county Philadelphia area by the National Weather Service. Winds from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph, are expected between 11 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday.

"Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result," the National Weather Service said Thursday morning. "Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects."

"Temperatures will be well above normal today with highs in the mid 60s," the National Weather Service said in a Thursday tweet. "Winds will then increase in speed and be strong starting late tonight and continuing through Friday morning. Another round of strong winds will be possible Saturday."

Forecasters also note that coastal flooding into Friday and a weekend freeze-up are both possible as temperatures fall back into the 30s.

Here's the full forecast for the local area:

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday night

Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2am. Low around 53. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10am, then a slight chance of showers between 10am and 11am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a temperature falling to around 40 by 5pm. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. Breezy, with a southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

Saturday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Breezy.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 41.

Sunday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 31.