What To Know As Severe Weather Moves Through The Delaware Valley
Shortly after 6:30 pm tonight (1/9/24), severe weather moved into the Delaware Valley.
Already a rainy rush hour commute, the strong winds, and rain made it even more difficult for drivers to safely get to their destinations.
As the storm moved across the Delaware Valley reports of power outages began to populate.
Still, the heaviest rain could move into the area around 11p and midnight. Wind is another factor with gusts as high as 60 mph being reported and reports of downed trees and wires.
This is a snapshot of wind gusts just after 8 PM this evening. We've seen many reports of 45-55 mph gusts from Chester Co PA to Philadelphia, across southern New Jersey, and most of the Delmarva. A few spots have even gusted to around 60 mph. pic.twitter.com/DC7VVETnjf
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 10, 2024
If you don’t have to drive, stay off the roads. Emergency officials are asking anyone who must drive Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning to use extreme caution because of this severe weather in the Delaware Valley.
Flooding along the Delaware River, Schuylkill River, and other low-lying areas is a major concern with this storm. High tide is around 11p tonight, and we could see more heavy rain around that time.
Annie McCormick with 6ABC is already reporting the Brandywine is high at around 8:30p with hours to go until the official high tide.
The Brandywine is high and moving quickly tonight. Also watch for downed trees in Chester County. DELCO also seeing downed trees and wires. We spoke to DELCO ER mgmt tonight about preps. Keep in mind high tide is at 11 pm so overnight you could see more flooding. @6abc pic.twitter.com/jm68OdiaF0
— Annie McCormick (@6abcAnnie) January 10, 2024
If you come across flooding on the road, do not attempt to drive through it.
⚠️🌧️ Areas of flooding are expected tonight as widespread heavy rain is forecast. Don’t risk driving into floodwaters. You never know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed away or compromised beneath the water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! #PAwx #NJwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/3XerfC3QJb
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 9, 2024
Some schools will be opening later on Wednesday, January 10th. You can see a list of those updates here from our partner 6ABC.
You can also see predicted flooding levels compiled from the National Weather Service here.
High winds and heavy rains could = power outages for parts of PA.
— PA Emergency Management Agency (@PEMAHQ) January 9, 2024
⚡ Report outages to your power company
🚩Stay away from downed lines and report them
🔦 Use flashlights instead of candles to light your home
🧊 Keep fridge/freezer doors closed to protect food #pawx pic.twitter.com/z6faPLcppZ
