Tornado, Hail, Flooding Possible In Eastern PA: Full Forecast, Timing

EASTERN PA — A powerful storm front will bring damaging winds and thunderstorms along with possible hail, flooding, and tornados to the greater Philadelphia area, according to forecasters.

The storm will arrive at around 5 p.m. Wednesday, with a greater likelihood for severe impacts between midnight and 2 a.m., the National Weather Service said.

Heavy rain and thunder will continue until around 8 a.m. Thursday.

"Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings," the National Weather Service adding, noting that tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can develop quickly and with little forewarning.

Around an inch of rain is expected, but significantly more could fall in the heart of thunderstorms, and localized flash flooding is possible.

"The risk of some thunderstorms packing strong wind gusts, hail and disruptive downpours" includes the Philadelphia region, AccuWeather noted.

During a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning, officials urge residents to move to the basement or an interior floor on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

"Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris," the National Weather Service said.

While severe heat will remain during the day Wednesday, with a high of 96, the storms will blow out the worst of the past week's heat wave. Highs in the 80s are expected for much of the coming week, with just one day (Sunday) currently expected to breach 90.

Here's the full forecast:

Wednesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night
Showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between midnight and 2 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Low around 71. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday
A chance of showers before 8 a.m. The rain could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night
A slight chance of showers between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 a.m.. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Sunday
A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Monday
Sunny, with a high near 83.

Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 85.