A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly at 5:39 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20. This warning applies to New Castle, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
The NWS warns: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."
Montgomery County weather radar
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 5:39 p.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:
"The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Northern New Castle County in northern Delaware, Northwestern Camden County in southern New Jersey, Northwestern Gloucester County in southern New Jersey, Northwestern Salem County in southern New Jersey, Southeastern Chester County in southeastern
Pennsylvania, Delaware County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Southeastern Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Until 9:45 p.m. EDT. At 5:39 p.m. EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 0.5 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1.5 to 2.5 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE: Radar indicated.
IMPACT: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Philadelphia, Camden, Wilmington, Newark, West Chester, Gloucester City, Chester, West Deptford, Yeadon and Westtown."
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 for Montgomery County
