Severe thunderstorms moved through the СŷƵ on Thursday evening, bringing torrential rain ahead of what’s shaping up to be a sunny Fourth of July weekend.
A severe thunderstorm watch that was in effect until 10 p.m. has since been canceled. Hail, winds with gusts up to 70 mph and frequent lightning were possible, according to the National Weather Service.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island until 10 PM EDT
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly)
The storms are prompted severe thunderstorm warnings as they moved through the region. Northampton, northern Lehigh and southern Carbon counties remain under a flash flood warning until 10:15 p.m. Thursday.
Just after 6 p.m., weather service radar indicated heavy rain was falling across the warned area. Between 1 to 2 inches of rain had fallen, with another 1 to 2 inches possible, according to the weather service. Flash flooding along creeks and streams, streets, and in other low lying areas is either occurring or imminent, the weather service warned.
Motorists were reminded to turn around if encountering flooded roadways.
Flash flooding was reported as of 7 p.m. on roadways in the Eastlawn Gardens area near Nazareth and on Zucksville Road in the Easton area, according to the weather service. Photos taken by a freelance photographer also showed flash flooding in the area of routes 22 and 191, as well as Santee Road, in Bethlehem Township.
Forecasters said the storms Thursday would be more localized, or “hit or miss,” which is different than the more widespread ones that came through the area Tuesday.
“Some will experience a storm, but a majority likely will not,” the weather service posted on social media Thursday morning. “Remain alert for a pop-up storm if you’re outdoors later today!”
Once the storms move out Thursday night, the holiday weekend should be clear and sunny. Forecasters with the local weather service office that highs will be in the mid-80s Friday, with low temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-60s. Friday night should be the coolest night this weekend, with an expected high of 59.
Rain could come to the area again next week. The weather service said unsettled conditions will develop again, but it is not clear what severe threats, if any, will come from it. Tuesday and Wednesday have the greatest chance for storms.
Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
