Category: Weather Alerts

Jan 09

What to do during a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY!!!!!

Flood Facts for Driving

Turn Around, Don't Drown
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.
  • Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Here are some tips of what to do during a flash flooding event.

  • Go to high ground immediately.
  • Get out of areas subject to flooding, such as low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
  • Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot. Even water only six inches deep, when moving at a high rate of speed, can knock you off your feet.
  • Never drive through flooded areas or standing water. Shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway. Also, the roadbed may not be intact under the water.
  • If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.
  • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
  • Understand the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning. 
    • A flash flood watch means that flooding may occur. Residents should stay alert, closely monitor rivers and streams, and be prepared to move to high ground quickly. A flash flood warning means that there is actual flooding. Residents should act at once and move to high ground.

Staying Safe After a Flood

Illustration of a gloved hand cleaning up personal belongings from flood waters in their home.
  • Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Avoid driving except in emergencies.
  • Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. 
  • People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
  • Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
  • Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
Jan 08

STORM ALERT: Heavy Rain, Flash Flooding and Power Outages Possible

A powerful storm will be 2-3″ upwards of 4″ to the area starting early afternoon on Tuesday into Wednesday. The Philadelphia area will see 40-50 mph winds with gust to 60 mph. Shore points could see wind gust over 65 mph. This storm will cause localized flooding. Expect power outages.

The following are the projected RIVER FLOOD STAGE for The Delaware at Washington Crossing, Trenton and Burlington.

Flood Stage

Watches and Warnings:
WIND ADVISORY:

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM TUESDAY TO 3 AM EST WEDNESDAY.

WHEN…From 5 PM Tuesday to 3 AM EST Wednesday.

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

ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
Saturated ground after multiple rounds of heavy rainfall over the last month has made trees more vulnerable to becoming uprooted with strong winds.

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


FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
WHEN…
From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.

IMPACTS…
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. *

ADDITIONAL DETAILS –
Rainfall of 1 to 3 inches possible Tuesday through early Wednesday, with the heaviest rain falling Tuesday night. The ground remains very saturated following multiple rounds of heavy rainfall over the last month. A period of higher hourly rainfall rates is possible during Tuesday night which would enhance the potential for flooding, particularly in the urban areas. Tidal inundation combined with runoff in coastal areas may significantly elevate the flood risk, especially if occurring during times of high tide.

COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE TUESDAY NIGHT…

WHERE...
In New Jersey, Mercer, Gloucester, Camden and Northwestern Burlington. In Pennsylvania, Delaware, Philadelphia and Lower Bucks. * WHEN…From Tuesday evening through late Tuesday night.

IMPACTS…
At this level, widespread roadway flooding occurs along tidal waterways. Some roads become impassable. Minor damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Tidal flooding could be significantly enhanced by an influx of fresh water runoff due to heavy rain Tuesday night.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property

Dec 17

Flood Watch In Effect until 6pm Monday

FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON… * WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

* WHERE..
.Portions of Delaware, including the following areas, Delaware Beaches, Inland Sussex, Kent, and New Castle. Portions of northeast Maryland, including the following areas, Caroline, Kent MD, Queen Annes, and Talbot. Portions of New Jersey, including the following areas, Atlantic, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Camden, Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, Coastal Ocean, Cumberland, Eastern Monmouth, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Northwestern Burlington, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Southeastern Burlington, Sussex, Warren, and Western Monmouth. Portions of Pennsylvania, including the following areas, Berks, Carbon, Delaware, Eastern Chester, Eastern Montgomery, Lehigh, Lower Bucks, Monroe, Northampton, Philadelphia, Upper Bucks, Western Chester, and Western Montgomery. * WHEN…From this evening through Monday afternoon.

* IMPACTS…
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Rainfall totals of 2.0 to 3.0 inches are forecast across the watch area today and Monday, with the heaviest falling later tonight through early Monday morning. Locally higher amounts are probable. The ground is more saturated due to heavier rain over the last couple of weeks. A period of higher hourly rainfall rates are expected later tonight into early Monday morning, and this can locally enhance the flooding especially in urban areas

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
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.

Nov 01

ALERT: Freeze Warning In Effect Until 10am Thursday

FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM EDT THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 expected.

* WHERE…Portions of Delaware, the eastern shores of Maryland, New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 10 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Sep 21

BREAKING: Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings are issued across East Coast

A tropical storm warning was issued Thursday from coastal North Carolina to Delaware ahead of a potential tropical cyclone that’s headed toward the East Coast.

The National Hurricane Center announced “Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen” on Thursday morning. The disturbance was located about 370 miles (595 kilometers) southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, forecasters said, and moving north at 9 mph (15 kph). Maximum sustained winds were 35 mph (55 kph).

The hurricane center defines a potential tropical cyclone as a disturbance that poses a threat for tropical storm or hurricane conditions to land within 48 hours. The current system could reach the North Carolina coast around Friday night or early Saturday.

The tropical storm warning is in effect from Cape Fear, North Carolina, to Fenwick Island, Delaware. It also includes the Chesapeake Bay south of Smith Point, and Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.

A storm surge watch was also issued from Surf City, North Carolina, to Chincoteague, Virginia. The hurricane center said storm surge between 2 and 4 feet (.6 to 1.2 meters) was expected.

Our team will bring you the latest on the this storm. Next update will be at 5pm. Below are images from the NAM model. We are keeping close eye on this storm and will bring you the latest tonight.

Sep 12

ALERT: Flood Watch In Effect From 2am Wednesday until Wednesday Afternoon

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM EDT WEDNESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE…Portions of northern Delaware…New Jersey…and Pennsylvania…including the following areas…in northern Delaware…New Castle. In New Jersey…Camden, Coastal Ocean, Eastern Monmouth, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Northwestern Burlington, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Southeastern Burlington, Sussex, Warren, and Western Monmouth. In Pennsylvania…Berks, Carbon, Delaware, Eastern Chester, Eastern Montgomery, Lehigh, Lower Bucks, Monroe, Northampton, Philadelphia, Upper Bucks, Western Chester, and Western Montgomery.

* WHEN…From 2 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – Showers and thunderstorms with locally heavy rain are expected to cross the region late tonight through Wednesday. Rainfall rates may exceed 1-2 inches per hours, which may result in flash flooding.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… 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.

Jul 27

ALERT: Excessive Heat Warning In Effect Friday 6am to 10pm.

HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY.
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 10 PM
EDT FRIDAY...
.HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 8 PM EDT
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Heat Advisory, heat index values up to
  104. For the Excessive Heat Warning, dangerously hot
  conditions with heat index values up to 109 expected. For the
  second Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 104 expected.

* WHERE...In Delaware, New Castle. In New Jersey, Mercer,
  Gloucester, Camden and Northwestern Burlington. In
  Pennsylvania, Delaware, Philadelphia, Eastern Montgomery and
  Lower Bucks.

* WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, until 6 AM EDT Friday. For
  the Excessive Heat Warning, from 6 AM to 10 PM EDT Friday. For
  the second Heat Advisory, from 10 PM Friday to 8 PM EDT
  Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase
  the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those
  working or participating in outdoor activities.

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.
GPSW Heat Advisory
Jul 26

ALERT: Heat Advisory In Effect Thursday 11am until Friday at 6am

HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THURSDAY TO 6 AM EDT
FRIDAY. EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH
FRIDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 103
  degrees expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot
  conditions with heat index values up to 106 degrees possible.

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

* WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, from 11 AM Thursday to 6 AM EDT
  Friday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Friday morning
  through Friday evening.

* 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...Heat index values up to 103 degrees may be
  possible again on Saturday.

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.
Jul 26

ALERT: Air Quality Alert for Wednesday July 26

AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR WEDNESDAY JULY 26...

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has issued a
code orange air quality alert Wednesday 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.