Tornado Warning Issued In Philly Area As Region Braces For Ida's Arrival [Latest Updates]

Here are the latest developments as the storm arrives in Pennsylvania, updated at 4:20 p.m.:

• At least three potential tornadoes inflicted damage in the area early Wednesday evening.
• A tornado warning was issued for parts of southeastern Pennsylvania Wednesday afternoon, including southeastern Montgomery County, central Bucks County, and northwestern Philadelphia. The warning expires at 6 p.m. The severe thunderstorm, which forecasters said was capable of producing a tornado was located over Plymouth Meeting, at 5:34 p.m.
• A tornado watch has been issued in 11 Pennsylvania counties. Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties are under the tornado watch until 10 p.m. Additional counties under the watch include Adams, Berks, Lancaster, Lehigh, Northampton and York. RELATED: What To Do When You Get Tornado Watch, Warning Alerts In PA

• A flash flood warning is also in place in several Eastern Pennsylvania counties. Including Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh and Northampton. The warning is in place through 8:15 p.m. According to the National Weather Service, shortly after 4 p.m., doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have already fallen, and additional rainfall is expected in the afternoon. MORE.
• The Schuylkill River could rise to one of its greatest heights in recorded history as the remnants of Hurricane Ida sweep through eastern Pennsylvania Wednesday into Thursday, the National Weather Service says. Several area waterways are projected to more than double their crest, and officials in Montgomery County are warning of life-threatening conditions. MORE.
• Some school districts, including the Council Rock School District in Newtown, have announced early dismissals as a result of the storm. MORE.
• Delaware County has opened an emergency shelter. MORE.
• The COVID-19 test and vaccination site in Montgomery County is closing early Wednesday because of the heavy rain in the area. MORE.
• Officials in Yardley, located along the Delaware River, say some roads could be closed until Saturday. Residents there are advised to prepare to be away from home for up to two days in the event of major flooding. MORE.
• Lower Merion Township announced road closures due to potential flood risks. MORE.
• In the western part of the state, about 50 students who were on a school bus trapped in high water in Shaler Township were successfully evacuated. MORE.

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ORIGINAL REPORT:

PENNSYLVANIA — The remnants of Ida will bring heavy rain, strong thunderstorms, flash flooding and even possible tornadoes to the region Wednesday, forecasters warn. Rain, which began falling overnight, is expected to continue through early Thursday. As much as 6 inches could fall in Eastern Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey during the duration of the storm.

The National Weather Service warns "widespread" floods are likely in areas north and west of Philadelphia. In Philadelphia and to the south, there is still a moderate risk of flooding. "Numerous" flash floods are expected in those areas.

"Excessive rainfall and severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes, are the main threats with this system," the National Weather Service said in its most recent briefing. The highest rainfall amounts are expected to fall along the I-95 corridor north and west.

Some of the flash flooding could be significant because the ground is already saturated from recent heavy rains, the NWS warned.

Forecasters say there could be moderate river flooding as a result of the storm. "Localized major flooding cannot be ruled out," the National Weather Service said in a Wednesday morning briefing. "Widespread river flooding is likely to occur if storm total rainfall forecasts are realized. Roads and structures along particularly susceptible rivers, creeks, and streams may be impacted."

A flash flood watch is in place, but a flood warning may be necessary, the NWS said.

Then in the afternoon and evening, the risk of severe weather and even tornadoes increases. Severe wind gusts are likely, particularly in the areas near Philadelphia and to the south, where there is an "enhanced risk" of convective weather.

Even in areas north of Philadelphia, including in Bucks County and in parts of Montgomery County, there is a slight risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

Gov. Tom Wolf, who is urging residents to prepare for potential flooding, has signed a proclamation of disaster emergency in anticipation of the storm.

“This dangerous storm continues to have devastating impacts across the South and as it heads toward Pennsylvania, we are expecting significant rainfall across the state," Gov. Wolf said. “I urge Pennsylvanians to monitor local weather and traffic conditions before making any plans and prepare for potential flooding.”

The storm is expected to clear out Thursday, when sunny skies are expected to emerge by late morning or early afternoon.