MOUNT HOLLY NJ – A “hazardous weather outlook” for western Montgomery County has been posted by the National Weather Service, lasting throughout Monday and into the night (June 26, 2023). It also has declared a “flood watch” for the area.
The hazardous weather outlook means “scattered severe thunderstorms are possible,” the weather service Philadelphia regional office stated. They could be accompanied by “several instances of flooding,” it said, “especially in urban and poor-drainage areas, and near vulnerable small creeks and streams.”
The flood watch means “flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.” The warning, however, is limited in duration but broader in scope.
The weather service reported “thunderstorms with locally heavy rain are expected across the watch area this afternoon and this evening. Widespread rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches, with localized amounts of 3-5 inches, are expected. These totals may result in flash flooding.”
The watch begins Monday at 2 p.m. and extends until midnight. River- or stream-oriented municipalities in western Montgomery, eastern Chester, and all of Berks counties were most likely to be affected. The weather service specifically named Reading, Honey Brook, Pottstown, Collegeville and West Chester as possibilities for flooding.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the weather service cautioned. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded,” it said.
“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” according to the forecasters. They also urged residents to “monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings.”
“Some areas of the Northeastern U.S. are expected to be at risk for severe weather for multiple days,” AccuWeather Inc. meteorologists said. “After the severe weather exits, more wet weather could impact” the region,” they reported Sunday.
Weather map graphic provided by AccuWeather