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A flood watch is currently in effect for the Lehigh Valley, with the National Weather Service forecasting significant rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. Rainfall rates are expected to reach three to five inches per hour today (Monday, August 3), posing a threat particularly to urban and poor drainage areas. The flood watch is set to expire tonight at 11 p.m.
The National Weather Service has also issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. for the region, which includes parts of eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The weather system is bringing a very moist air mass, resulting in rainfall rates of one to three inches per hour this afternoon and evening. Flash flooding is a major concern, especially in urban areas where it can begin with just one inch of rain per hour.
According to lehighvalleylive.com, the Lehigh Valley could see two to three inches of rain through Wednesday, with locally higher amounts possible. Residents are advised to have multiple ways to receive flood alerts and to avoid driving through flooded roads.
Severe weather, including damaging wind gusts, is expected between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. today. The region is under a marginal risk for severe weather, with the potential for tornadoes being more focused over Delmarva and South Jersey.
The weather is expected to clear up by the end of the week, with high pressure moving into the region, bringing clear skies and no significant weather expected. This change in weather comes just in time for Musikfest, which begins with a preview night on Thursday and officially kicks off on Friday with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 80s.