What to Know
- A spring storm system came from the southwest, smacking Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania and South Jersey suburbs from 5 to 6 p.m.
- A FIRST ALERT was in effect from 4 to 8 p.m. for damaging winds and a tornado watch that the National Weather Service has since canceled.
- SEPTA said the Paoli-Thorndale Regional Rail line was shut down at 6 p.m. for power issues.
A band of severe thunderstorms armed with strong winds swept through the region early Friday evening, dropping trees and causing damage in certain locations.
The storm, with its origins in Texas and Louisiana, hit Philadelphia about 5:30 p.m. Eventually, it barreled through Trenton and towns in South Jersey on a course east at about 40 miles per hour.
In its aftermath, a tornado watch remained in effect until 9 p.m. for New Jersey's Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Mercer and Ocean counties. A tornado watch for much of the rest of the region was canceled about 6:30 p.m. by the National Weather Service.
Downed trees, stopped trains and lingering gusty winds were reported in locations across southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and South Jersey. SEPTA's Paoli-Thorndale Regional Rail line was stopped at 6 p.m. until further notice because of power problems.
According to the National Weather Service, a tornado watch means that "tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area." Make sure to have emergency plans in place and check your supplies.
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"Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives," the National Weather Service says.
A FIRST ALERT previously in effect Friday also ended at 8 p.m.
Friday's weather system caused lingering delays at Philadelphia International Airport. New York-area airports also had long delays.
The spring storm system that has pounded Texas and Louisiana the past two days with tornadoes and flooding moved quickly northeast into our area.
Another group of strong to possibly severe storms were possible for the Phillies game. Up to one inch of rain was expected, with higher amounts in those areas with persistent thunderstorms.
Stay with the NBC10 First Alert Weather team throughout the storms and download the NBC10 app for the latest updates.
