A deluge of heavy rain is set to drench our region Tuesday into Wednesday, raising concerns of potential flooding that could turn streets into rivers and basements into swimming pools.
According to ReadyMontco Alerts, the heaviest rains will also have accompanying strong wind gusts.
In Lansdale, borough crews are prepared to monitor trouble spots throughout the duration of the storm, including the electric department, which is preparing to handle any outages as a result of the storm.
To prepare for heavy rainfall, municipal officials advise residents ensure storm drains near their home are clear and free of debris. Eave troughs should be cleared and ensure they are pointed down and away from the home and foundation.
Lansdale Borough officials warn that under no circumstances should residents attempt to lift, move, or adjust electric wires.
Ahead of the storm, the U.S. National Weather Service has issued an area flood watch from 1 p.m. Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday. A wind advisory begins 5 p.m. Tuesday and ends 3 a.m. Wednesday.
"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain,” said Accuweather.com. "Rainfall of two to three inches with locally up to four inches possible later today and tonight, with the heaviest rain occurring later this afternoon and this evening. The ground remains very saturated following multiple rounds of heavy rainfall over the last month.”
Accuweather advised that a period of higher hourly rainfall rates is possible Tuesday night, which would enhance the potential for flooding, particularly in the more urban areas. The combination of snow melt and heavy rain may significantly elevate the flooding risk, especially across northeast Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey, per Accuweather.
