A storm system that dumped heavy rain, high winds and lightning in our area moved out of the region late Wednesday into early Thursday morning. The storms moved into the Philadelphia area about 7 p.m. Wednesday and traveled toward New Jersey. The stormy weather capped off a sweltering hot day with temperatures that felt like 100 degrees outside.
"The storms should be near the shore by 11 p.m.," said NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Sheena Parveen. "After that, it looks pretty quiet overnight compared to this afternoon."
By 7 p.m., a flash flood warning was issued for Berks County and more than two inches of rain fell in the Poconos.
The severe thunderstorm pattern collided with the widespread 100-degree heat index around the Philadelphia region. Heavy lightning led to power outages across the area.
Lightning was also likely to blame for a house fire in North Whales that forced a family of four out of their homes. The heavy storms also brought flash floods to the Reading area, causing traffic backups and forcing businesses to shut down.
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The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties that was in effect until 9:00 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect until 9:00 p.m. for Kent, New Castle and Sussex counties in Delaware and in New Jersey counties: Atlantic, Camden, Ocean, Cape May, Monmouth, Burlington, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer and Salem.
The weather changes will continue Thursday with a flooding threat, severe thunderstorms and hot temperatures will remain. A flash flood watch is in effect for Thursday for most of the viewing area, but "Hurricane" says the afternoon will be the prime time.
Check out this crazy lightning strike caught by an Instagrammer @dpenugonda in New York City.
