Author: GreaterPhilaSevereWeather

A FLOOD WATCH and WIND Advisory will both go into effect at 4pm this afternoon.

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING...

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has expanded the

* Flood Watch to include portions of northern Delaware...New
  Jersey...and southeast Pennsylvania...including the following
  areas...in northern Delaware...New Castle. In New Jersey...Mercer,
  Middlesex, and Somerset. In southeast Pennsylvania...Delaware,
  Eastern Montgomery, Lower Bucks, and Philadelphia.

* From this afternoon through Friday morning

* Heavy rain will move into the region late Thursday and Thursday
  night, with between 1 and 3 inches of rain over the region and as
  much as 3 to 4 inches of rain over the southern Poconos.

* Excessive rainfall and snowmelt will result in rises on rivers and
  streams.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on
current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert
for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding
should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

WIND ADVISORY 

WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM EST
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph
  expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, northern and southern New Jersey,
  southeast Pennsylvania, northeast Maryland and central,
  northern and southern Delaware.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
  result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Secure any outdoor holiday decorations
  before the strong winds arrive.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

We are watching for some severe weather on Christmas Eve (Thursday) into Christmas Day. While it will not be a white Christmas for us, we need to plan for what is possibly going to come. A strong cold front will move across the area bringing heavy winds (40-50mph+), heavy rain, thunderstorms or two and a flash freeze is possible. After the cold front pushes through we will see temperatures drop 20-30º within a few hours. As you can see below is the GFS temperature model and you can see that difference as the cold front pushes across the area. Flooding is also possible due to snowpack. If you have sewer drains in front of your house, it might be a great idea to clear snow from them to allow water to flow into the drains.

Prepare for possible power outages, a flash freeze and heavy rain on Christmas Eve/Day. Santa and his team are preparing and they are confident he will be able to make it to everyones home this Christmas.