Weather Service Calls for Rains, Floods

This afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Bucks and Montgomery counties and surrounding areas that is in effect from Thursday morning through Friday morning.

According to the watch, heavy rain is expected across the watch area beginning as early as overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. However, the heaviest rainfall is expected to occur during the day Thursday into Thursday night. Storm total amounts could average as much as two to three inches with localized higher amounts possible, especially in higher terrain locations.

The estimated rainfall amounts will likely cause flooding of low lying areas, as well as cause smaller streams and creeks to rise out of their banks. The runoff could also cause flooding along main stem rivers.

The Delaware River is vulnerable, according to the watch.

Many rivers and streams remain at higher than normal levels and may not return to normal flow before this next rain storm.

While the heavy rain is expected to end by friday morning, the effects from the flooding will likely linger into the weekend or longer for locations adjacent to the larger, slower-response rivers.

Here is the local forecast for Southampton:

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. East wind between 3 and 6 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. East wind between 8 and 13 mph.

Wednesday Night: Rain, mainly after 1am. Low around 38. East wind between 10 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Thursday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 54. East wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Thursday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 42. South wind between 11 and 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: A chance of showers, mainly before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.