Weather Authority: Flooding expected as Tuesday storm brings soaking rain, tropical storm force winds
PHILADELPHIA - From one storm to the next, the Delaware Valley isn't getting much of a break from bad weather this week!
More rain is on the way after snow, rain and a messy mix dominated the weekend across the Delaware Valley.
Expect the first drops to fall around 9 a.m. Tuesday, with heavy downpours across the region by lunchtime.
For Philadelphia, Philly suburbs, New Jersey and Delaware, the rain should begin between 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
For the Poconos, snow/rain begins 8 a.m.- 10 a.m .and rain in the Lehigh Valley will also begin between 8 a.m.- 10 a.m.
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Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency for New Jersey in preparation for severe storms with hazardous weather conditions Tuesday.
Rain totals are expected to reach 2 to 3 inches in Philadelphia, and even higher in other areas.
A flood watch has already been issued for several areas beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday and lingering into Wednesday.
The strongest winds and heaviest rain is projected to reach around late afternoon into the late night hours.
The rain should end between Tuesday 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Wednesday.
And with the rain comes tropical storm force winds reaching 40 to 50 mph.
The storm is expected to stick around until early Wednesday morning, but the wind and flooding could continue well into the afternoon and evening.
Several rivers may experience moderate to major flooding, especially across southeast PA.
Snow melts with heavy rain across the northern areas will enhance runoff & flooding potential.
To prevent driving into puddles in the event of trying to take alternative routes due to tree falls and power outages, Director of Emergency Services, Timothy Boyce, suggests drivers try to stay off the road tomorrow and if you must drive avoid riding through any water.
However, if you do find yourself stuck, mobile command posts in Delaware county are ready for rescues.
"You can be the greatest driver," said Boyce. "Then if the person in front of you is not, they stop the next thing you know your car's in two, three feet of water. It's moving. Your whole life is at risk."
It's always a good idea the night before a big storm to move your car to higher ground.
"If you lose power, how you're going to heat your home don't be using a stove," said Boyce. "If you could plan your trips early, watch the news. Watch the weather, it changes very quickly.