NWS update for Bucks County, PA: Flash Flood Warning
At 5:07 a.m. EDT, Thunderstorms that produced heavy rain resulted in 1 to 2 inches of rain. While the rain has ended, flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE: Radar.
IMPACT: Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other drainage and low lying areas. Some locations that may experience flash flooding include: Philadelphia, Camden, Bensalem, Yeadon, Palmyra, Hatboro, Jenkintown, Narberth, National Park, East Lansdowne, Beverly and Rockledge. This includes the following highways, Interstate 476 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 8 and 12. Interstate 76 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 333
and 351. Interstate 95 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 15 and 37. Interstate 676 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 0 and 1. Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 337 and 347.A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly at 3:49 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23. This warning applies to Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
The NWS warns: "Turn around, doN't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely."
Bucks County weather radar
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
NWS issued a statement including the following information:
"The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: South Central Bucks County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Eastern Chester County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Northeastern Delaware County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Southeastern Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Until 8 a.m. EDT. At 3:49 a.m. EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE: Radar.
IMPACT: Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other drainage and low lying areas. Some locations that may experience flash flooding include: Philadelphia, Camden, Bensalem, Norristown, Lansdale, West Norriton, East Norriton, Yeadon, Conshohocken, Palmyra, Hatboro and Ambler. This includes the following highways, Interstate 476 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 7 and 19. Interstate 76 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 327 and 351. Interstate 95 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 14 and 37. Interstate 676 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 0 and 1. Northeast Extension between mile markers 21 and 25. Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 326 and 348."
What is a flash flood?
Flash floods can develop within six hours of heavy rain, dam or levee failure. They can uproot trees, destroy buildings and bridges and trigger mudslides. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.
Flash floods can even occur in areas that aren't receiving rain, the NWS warns.
Warning vs watch: What is a flash flood warning?
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding, according to the NWS. It doesn't guarantee flooding will occur, but it means flooding is possible.
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or already happening, USA TODAY reported. If you're in a flood-prone area during a flash flood warning, move to higher ground immediately.
Remember: Turn around, don't drown.
What to do during a flood warning
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Use a battery-powered radio or TV to get the latest emergency information.
- Do not walk through floodwater - just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
- Turn around, don't drown: Never drive into a flooded street. Two feet of moving water can sweep away a car, and roads may be washed out.
- Watch for fire hazards.
- Move to higher ground.
- Stay alert and keep weather notifications on.
- Keep children away from floodwaters - they can hide rocks, trees, and debris.
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This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Flash flood warning issued Sunday for Bucks County
