When To Expect The Worst Of PA Nor'Easter: Latest Forecast

PENNSYLVANIA - Several inches of rain are set to drop on the Keystone State this weekend as part of a fierce nor'easter storm slated to bring potential flooding and fierce winds up to 45 mph that could down trees and cause power outages.

The storm — the result of two system converging on the Atlantic coast — is set to begin Friday after midnight and move from south to north as temperatures dip into the low 30s, according to the National Weather Service.

The Philadelphia metro area will see the greatest rainfall totals, while the rest of the state could see one to two inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service, though locally higher amounts are possible.

The heaviest rainfall is expected Saturday afternoon (set to challenge daily and monthly rainfall records) with peak rainfall rates of a quarter inch to a half inch an hour, forecasters said. The rain is then slated to taper off from southwest to northeast by Saturday evening.

Several southeast Pennsylvania counties are under a flood watch through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. The affected counties are:

• Delaware
• Philadelphia
• Chester
• Montgomery
• Bucks

🌧️🌬️ Widespread heavy rainfall leading to some areas of flooding will develop tonight through Saturday. The 2-3" of rainfall will challenge daily and monthly rainfall records. Strong winds may also leads to some downed trees or power outages. #PAwx #NJwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/ALsvL7zRZe
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) March 22, 2024

“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the National Weather Service said in a flood watch statement. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded.”

The mix of low clouds, rain and stiff breezes may result in airline delays, AccuWeather noted.

The immediate post-storm forecast is expected to be clear, with Sunday daytime temperatures slated to be in the sunny 40s. Keystone State residents should enjoy the dry weather before another system could impact the region in the middle of next week, forecasters said.

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

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 49. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Rain, mainly after 2 a.m. Low around 39. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 58. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Saturday Night: A chance of rain, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Breezy.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.