What to Know
- A FIRST ALERT is in effect for the Philadelphia region on Wednesday between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- The storm brought heavy rain, damaging winds and potential flooding throughout the region during the Wednesday afternoon commute.
- While temperatures jumped to the 60s on Wednesday, they'll plummet on Thursday with a winter-like chill following the storm and bitter wind chills.
A FIRST ALERT was in effect for the Philadelphia region on Wednesday from 4 a.m. through 8 p.m. due to the powerful storm system that brought heavy rain, damaging winds and potential flooding.
The heaviest rainfall and strongest winds was expected to coincide with the passage of the cold front during Wednesday’s afternoon and evening commutes.
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Rainfall totals across the Philadelphia region will range between two to three inches with locally higher amounts possible in areas impacted by isolated thunderstorms. The heavy rainfall raises concerns for ponding on roadways and localized flooding, especially in poor drainage areas where leaves may block storm drains.
Strong winds increase risk of power outages, storm damage
Strong wind gusts will accompany the storm, reaching 25 to 35 mph inland and 40 to 50 mph along the coast. Higher gusts may also be produced by isolated thunderstorms. The winds increase the risk of tree damage and power outages.
A big drop in temperatures on Thursday
Temperatures reached the 60s on Wednesday before a cold front sweeps through. After the cold front, temperatures will plummet as west-northwest winds bring a winter-like chill. Temperatures overnight into Thursday will drop into the 20s.
Thursday’s highs will be in the 30s and feel more like the 20s due to gusty winds.
SEPTA delays
The storm had an impact on travel late Wednesday morning. SEPTA announced that around 10:30 a.m. all of their regional rail lines were dealing with delays of up to 10-minutes in both directions due to weather-related signal issues.
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