Tornadoes, Flooding Possible Wednesday: Here's The Latest Forecast

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Forecasters are tracking a line of storms that could bring the potential for severe weather to Eastern Pennsylvania Wednesday. Flash flooding and even tornadoes are possible as a cold front moves through, bringing the potential for severe thunderstorms. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued starting at 4 p.m.

This comes one week after Hurricane Ida's remnants caused deadly flooding and numerous tornadoes around the region.

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According to the National Weather Service, the precipitation will begin Wednesday afternoon and go into the evening. Creeks and streams may flood, as well as areas with poor drainage. Water could flood roads in low-lying areas. Localized flash flooding is possible, particularly if heavy rainfall happens in areas that are already well-saturated from previous rain.

In addition to the rain, severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes are possible. There is the potential for downed trees and power lines, forecasters warn.

Tornadoes are possible primarily in southeast Pennsylvania and north of I-195 in New Jersey, the National Weather Service predicts.

The National Weather Service has now classified Eastern Pennsylvania as being at "elevated" risk for flash flooding. There is also an "elevated" risk for severe storms.

Forecasters say the main period of concern is during the evening hours as a line moves through west to east. "However, there may be some scattered storms that form ahead of the line this afternoon," the National Weather Service said in a morning storm briefing.

Seven tornadoes were confirmed in the Philadelphia region during the Sept. 1 storms. This time around, there is a potential for tornadoes as far north as Albany, N.Y., AccuWeather said.

"We'll need to keep a watchful eye on this aspect of the weather later Wednesday afternoon and evening," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski.

While skies will clear later Thursday and remain so for the weekend, forecasters urge residents to use caution before rushing to the beach this weekend.

"Some very nice weather is expected Friday through Sunday, but Hurricane Larry in the Atlantic Ocean is anticipated to pass to the east of Bermuda this week and produce large swells, resulting in rough surf and strong rip currents along East Coast beaches," Babinski said.

Here is the local forecast:

Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Northwest 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.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 79.