Philadelphia residents, brace for yet more damp days and potential flooding. As rain continues to pound the city, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect from the early hours of Friday. According to the official forecast, low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways could see up to half a foot of inundation above ground level.
The advisory, which replaces a previously cancelled one, anticipates vulnerable roads will begin flooding and some may even partially or fully close. While the showers are likely to persist throughout the weekend, the NWS outlines today's high near 69 with a 60% chance of precipitation, with lighter rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Meanwhile, minor coastal flooding is also a possibility looking forward into Friday.
Philadelphia County isn’t alone in its watery woes. Surrounding regions including Gloucester, Camden, Northwestern Burlington, Delaware, and Lower Bucks in Pennsylvania are also under the watchful eye of meteorologists. The advisory, calling for caution from 1 AM to 6 AM EDT Friday, is clear: take steps to protect flood-prone property and expect disruptions to travel given high waters may make some roads impassable.
Residents are encouraged to heed the advice and prepare for road closures. Citing the advisory, the NWS advised, "If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed." With respect to actions, "Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth" was underlined, which indicates that travelers should be cautious. People must be ready for another round of minor coastal flooding as it is forecast for late Friday night into early Saturday morning, possibly repeating the cycle of rain-induced headaches.
Beyond the weekend, next week doesn't promise much reprieve, with a chance of showers through to Wednesday and high temperatures fluctuating from the mid-50s to the high 70s. As Philadelphia faces its fair share of April showers—and then some—late into the spring season, residents are reminded to stay informed on potential weather hazards by visiting the National Weather Service's website for the latest updates.
