Flood Watch Issued In Eastern PA As More Downpours, Storms Possible

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA — A flood watch is in place across Eastern Pennsylvania as the region braces for additional storms and downpours Sunday that authorities say could cause more flash flooding in the Philadelphia area. This comes as a fatal flash flood ravaged Upper Makefield Township in Bucks County on Saturday, killing four. Three people remain missing after the flood waters drenched the Washington Crossing area around 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible throughout Sunday, with the Flood Warning in place through midnight. The warning is in place in the following counties: Bucks, Berks, Carbon, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, and Philadelphia.

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas," the National Weather Service warned.

"Numerous showers and thunderstorms capable of heavy rainfall" are possible Sunday.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are forecast, with localized amounts of 3 to 5 inches possible in some areas where thunderstorms are more persistent.

"These totals may result in flash flooding, particularly in flood-prone urban and low-lying areas. Additionally, there will be some potential for main stem river flooding following the heavy rain, due to excessive runoff. The greatest threat will be in areas that have recently had heavy rain and flooding, were soils are already saturated, in portions of eastern Pennsylvania and northern and central New Jersey," forecasters with the NWS said.

Meanwhile, authorities in Bucks County continue to search for three people unaccounted for following Saturday's flash flood.

A woman and two children —a 9-month-old boy and his 2-year-old sister —are among the missing, Upper Makefield Township Volunteer Fire Company Chief Tim Brewer said Sunday morning. "We want families to know that we will work tirelessly until we locate their loved ones," Brewer said.

The worst of the flooding occurred along Rt. 532 in the area of Stonebridge Crossing Road between Aqueduct Road and Wrightstown Road. Police said the flash flooding caught numerous motorists by surprise and many were trapped.

"It is with great sorrow that we regretfully announce that three people who were swept away by the flood waters were found deceased," the police department said in a Facebook post. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends as they go through unimaginable grief."

More details on the fatal flash floods can be found here.