February 16, 2016
With rainfall totals across the Philadelphia region approaching one inch, the National Weather Service on Tuesday afternoon has issued a flood advisory through 4:45 p.m.
That rain, coupled with melting snow and ice from Monday night, is adding up to some significant runoff that will cause minor flooding in the area, said forecasters, who warned that heavy rains could flood roads quickly and that motorists should avoid driving into areas where water covers the road.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon, forecasters issued a thunderstorm warning as Doppler radar showed a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. The storms sped through the area at 75 mph.
The heavy rains and gusty winds have had an impact on transportation and transit.
A number of SEPTA Regional Rail trains are reporting delays.
Weather-related problems were reported on a number of South Jersey roadways, as well.
It's been a crazy day for weather watchers.
Dozens of schools opened on a two-hour delay Tuesday morning to give still-icy sidewalks and streets a chance to melt.
Though temperatures across much of the region struggled to rise above freezing overnight, the mercury jumped dramatically after 6 a.m., hitting 57 degrees at Philadelphia International Airport and 50 degrees in Doylestown, Bucks County by mid-morning.
Drier weather should then carry us through the rest of the workweek, but forecasters are looking at more precipitation – possibly a wintry mix if it is cold enough – for Saturday and early next week.
Here is the seven-day forecast from the weather service:
Today
Periods of rain, mainly before 5 p.m. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 58. Breezy, with a southeast wind 13 to 20 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between three-quarters and 1 inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers, mainly before 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. West wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 6 to 11 mph.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. West wind around 9 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 39. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 25.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 43.
Friday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Monday
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
