The СŷƵ could get even more rain Friday and Saturday to cap off an extremely wet May for the region.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, has placed Lehigh and Northampton counties under a flood watch from 7 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday. Forecasters said excessive rainfall could lead to flooding in rivers, creeks, streams and other flood-prone locations.
Rainfall between 1 and 3 inches between that roughly 13-hour period is expected. Rainfall of rates between 1 and 2 inches per hour are possible as well, the weather service said.
Ponding on some roads is likely, and some roads may not be passable, forecasters warned.
There also is a marginal chance of thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts, the weather service said. Severe weather could come to the region anywhere between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., according to the weather service.
Rain is likely going to continue into Saturday morning and night. Forecasters said there is a possibility of thunderstorms again that night.
Neighboring Berks and Bucks counties are also included in the watch.
A Flood Watch was issued for tonight for portions of the area as heavy rain will move in later this evening. Rainfall amounts of 1-3" are expected. Also, we have a low threat for severe weather this afternoon and evening, mainly for lower Delmarva.
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly)
The rain expected this weekend puts an end to what has been the wettest month of the year by far. As of Friday morning, 8.74 inches of rain has fallen in the СŷƵ this month, according to weather service data. Measurable rainfall has happened more than half of the days this month, with May 14 being the rainiest at 1.79 inches of rain for the entire day.
The СŷƵ should get a break from the rain next week. Forecasters are expecting sunny days from Sunday until Thursday.
Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:
Saturday: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 a.m. High near 70. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 80.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
