Category: Weather Alerts

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of the area until 7:00 PM.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of DE, DC, MD, NJ, PA, VA until 11 PM EST.

Key Threats

Scattered Gust up to 70 MPH
Frequent Lightning

If any warnings are issued we will let you know.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has issued a code orange air quality alert Sunday for The Philadelphia Metro area.

A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children…people suffering from asthma… heart disease or other lung diseases…and the elderly.

The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.

For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles…visit http://www.phila.gov/health/units/ams/

Early next week the United States could see TWO tropical systems along the Gulf of Mexico. In the event anything changes with this forecast we will bring you the latest information. As of this time the track is uncertain and we do expect some changes are possible. Folks along the Gulf should start to prepare for a Hurricane and Tropical Storm.

Tropical Depression 13 is expected to be upgraded to a Tropical Storm today. The forecast suggest that this storm will become a HURRICANE and is forecast to enter the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday.

11:00 AM AST Thu Aug 20
Location: 16.0°N 52.0°W
Moving: WNW at 21 mph
Min pressure: 1008 mb
Max sustained: 35 mph

Tropical Depression 14 has formed over the West/Central Caribbean Sea this morning. This storm is forecasted to hit the Tx/LA coast as early as Tuesday.

11:00 AM EDT Thu Aug 20
Location: 15.1°N 79.7°W
Moving: W at 21 mph
Min pressure: 1007 mb
Max sustained: 35 mph

CURRENT WATCHS/WARNINGS:
FLASH FLOOD WATCH until 12am on Aug 5th.
Tropical Storm Watch

ISAIAS FORECAST TO MAKE LANDFALL TONIGHT AS A HURRICANE… …EXPECTED TO BRING STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY RAINFALL FROM THE EASTERN CAROLINAS TO THE MID-ATLANTIC COAST TONIGHT AND TUESDAY…

11:00 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 Location: 30.7°N 80.1°W Moving: N at 13 mph Min pressure: 998 mb Max sustained: 70 mph

Tropical Storm Isaias is currently located just offshore of the northeast Florida coast. The storm is expected to continue northward along the East Coast. It will likely move inland over the Carolinas this evening and approach our region by late tonight and especially Tuesday. Impacts should diminish by Wednesday morning.

The main threats with this system are heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding and some river flooding, strong winds especially near the coast, minor to potentially moderate coastal flooding, and dangerous marine conditions.

We are most concerned about flash flooding caused by 4 to 6 inches of rain, as well as strong winds along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts with wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph possible. Secondary threats include minor to locally moderate coastal flooding, especially in Chesapeake Bay, as well as the potential for isolated tornadoes. Dangerous rip currents and 8 to 12 foot seas are also expected over the waters.

Along the river and ocean expect to see 1 to 3 feet of storm surge inundation along those area. The Philadelphia metro area will have the greatest threat for FLASH FLOODING rain late tonight into tomorrow.

Tornados: The main threat of isolated tornadoes will be during the day hours on Tuesday. The best chance of an isolated tornado will be along/southeast of i95.

TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT...

A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours

* WIND
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
        - Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 50 mph
        - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday evening

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph
        - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force.
        - PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
          underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
        - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
        - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
        - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
        - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
        - Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible
        - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for up to 2 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
        - Window of concern: Tuesday morning until Tuesday evening

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm
      surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground
        - PLAN: Plan for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot
          above ground.
        - PREPARE: Efforts should now be underway to prepare for  storm surge flooding, especially in low-lying vulnerable areas.
        - ACT: Take actions to protect life and property. Prepare to leave if evacuation orders are given for your area.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
        - Localized inundation is possible with storm surge flooding mainly along tidal creeks and rivers and in low-lying spots.
        - Sections of near-river roads and parking lots could become overspread with surge water. Dangerous driving conditions  are possible in places where surge water covers the road.

* FLOODING RAIN
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flash Flood Watch is in effect
        - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for  major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely.
        - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
        - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take  action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
        - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
        - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
        - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
        - Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few tornadoes
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a few tornadoes.
        - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives.
        - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
        - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events.

        - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions.

        - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

11:00 AM EDT Sun Aug 2
Location: 26.9°N 79.6°W
Moving: NNW at 8 mph
Min pressure: 995 mb
Max sustained: 65 mph

At this hour Isaias have been downgraded to a tropical storm, while the storm was downgraded please note that this is a strong powerful storm. Isaias will bring between 2-5″ of rain (locally higher amounts) to most of the area.
We will see tropical storm force winds as early as late Monday night into Tuesday night. The current track has Isaias moving up the east coast and bringing the storm center right over parts of the area. The NHC “cone” has the center of the storm just off the New Jersey Coast.

Some uncertainty continues regarding the future track, intensity, and timing of this storm which will also affect the ultimate impacts for our region.

Confidence is high that increased swells and rip current risk along the coasts will arrive this weekend and continue through at least Wednesday.

Tropical storm conditions are possible, primarily for coastal locations and the adjacent waters Tuesday into Tuesday night.

Heavy rain leading to flooding is a concern even for areas outside the tropical storm force wind conditions, and is our greatest concern with this storm.

HURRICANE WATCH ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF THE FLORIDA EAST COAST… …SQUALLY WEATHER OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SPREADING INTO THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS

Latest Information
11:00 AM EDT Fri Jul 31
Location: 21.7°N 74.5°W
Moving: NW at 16 mph
Min pressure: 992 mb
Max sustained: 75 mph

Our team will be providing updates throughout the weekend. At this time we feel we will see some impacts. We will bring you the latest info as it comes in.

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 100 to 104 expected

* WHERE...Much of New Jersey, southeast Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.

* WHEN: From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS: Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
  illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

* WHAT…DANGEROUSLY HOT CONDITIONS WITH HEAT INDEX VALUES UP TO 110 DEGREES POSSIBLE.

* WHERE…THE URBAN CORRIDOR FROM WILMINGTON TO PHILADELPHIA TO TRENTON.

* WHEN…FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE MOST DANGEROUS HEAT LOOKS TO OCCUR ON MONDAY.

* IMPACTS…EXTREME HEAT AND HUMIDITY WILL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES, PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE WORKING OR PARTICIPATING IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…THE EXACT TEMPERATURES AND HEAT INDEX VALUES WILL DEPEND ON THE AMOUNT OF CLOUD COVER AND COVERAGE OF THUNDERSTORMS EACH DAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS AND WARNINGS FOR UPDATES ON THIS SITUATION. BE PREPARED TO DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS, STAY IN AN AIR- CONDITIONED ROOM, STAY OUT OF THE SUN, AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

YOUNG CHILDREN AND PETS SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED IN VEHICLES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE DURING WARM OR HOT WEATHER WHEN CAR INTERIORS CAN REACH LETHAL TEMPERATURES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES