'Potent' Storm System Targets Eastern PA: See Timeline, Forecast

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA — Several rounds of storms — some of them "potent" and "borderline severe" — are possible mid-week in the Philadelphia region, forecasters say.

Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast for the region Wednesday, likely after 5 p.m. Storms could continue into the night, the National Weather Service said. The agency predicts an 80 percent chance of precipitation Wednesday night.

The more severe storms are likely on Thursday, according to AccuWeather. Some of those storms could be "borderline severe with hail and strong wind gusts," AccuWeather said.

The Weather Channel predicts the highest likelihood for thunderstorms in the Philadelphia region Thursday will be between 2 and 8 p.m. There is a 90 percent chance of precipitation with rainfall amounts of up to a half inch, with higher amounts possible in areas that get hit by thunderstorms.

"Motorists should be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions where dry roads can become torrents of water in minutes," AccuWeather warned.

A coastal flood advisory has been issued Wednesday into Thursday morning in some parts of the region, including lower Bucks County, Delaware County, and Philadelphia, as well as Mercer, Gloucester, Camden and northwestern Burlington counties in New Jersey.

"If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property," the National Weather Service said in issuing its coastal flood advisory.

Now for the good news: things are expected to clear up Friday and for the weekend. Sunny skies are predicted Friday, with sunshine continuing through Saturday. On Sunday, there is a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers.

Here is the local forecast for the Philadelphia region:

Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog after midnight. Low around 68. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 85. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 61. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A slight chance of showers after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 79. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Sunday: A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.