Prepare for Potential Impacts
As Sunday night approaches, Eastern Pennsylvania residents should be prepared for the potential of severe thunderstorms. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the region, warning of the possibility of damaging winds, large hail, and flooding.
Damaging Winds: Thunderstorms can produce winds in excess of 60 mph, which can cause power outages, tree damage, and structural damage. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and prepare for the possibility of power outages.
Large Hail: Hailstones the size of quarter coins or larger can accompany severe thunderstorms. Hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, buildings, and crops. Residents should park their vehicles indoors or in a covered area.
Flooding: Heavy rains associated with thunderstorms can lead to flooding. Flash floods can occur within minutes of heavy rainfall and can be extremely dangerous. Residents in flood-prone areas should be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary.
According to the NWS, the most likely time for severe thunderstorms to hit Eastern Pennsylvania is between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM on Sunday night. The following areas are at the highest risk:
The NWS has estimated the potential impacts of severe thunderstorms in Eastern Pennsylvania:
Power Outages: Up to 100,000 customers could lose power.
Tree Damage: More than 10,000 trees could be damaged.
Flooding: Up to 3 inches of rain could fall in a short period of time, leading to flash flooding in some areas.
Eastern Pennsylvania has a history of severe thunderstorms. According to the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), the region experiences an average of 10 to 20 severe thunderstorm days per year.
The following table shows the average monthly number of thunderstorm days in Eastern Pennsylvania:
Month | Average Thunderstorm Days |
---|---|
April | 2 |
May | 5 |
June | 8 |
July | 10 |
August | 9 |
September | 6 |
October | 3 |
The following table lists some notable severe thunderstorm events that have occurred in Eastern Pennsylvania:
Date | Location | Impacts |
---|---|---|
May 31, 2020 | Philadelphia | 80 mph winds, 1-inch hail, flash flooding |
June 29, 2019 | Bucks County | 70 mph winds, large hail, power outages |
July 23, 2018 | Montgomery County | 60 mph winds, tree damage, flooding |
Storm 1:
In May 2020, a severe thunderstorm swept through Philadelphia, causing widespread damage. Winds reached up to 80 mph, hail the size of golf balls was reported, and flash flooding inundated streets. The storm left 80,000 customers without power and caused millions of dollars in damage.
Lesson Learned: Severe thunderstorms can cause significant damage and disrupt daily life. It is important to be prepared and take safety precautions.
Storm 2:
In June 2019, a severe thunderstorm hit Bucks County, bringing with it 70 mph winds, large hail, and power outages. The storm caused widespread damage to trees and buildings, and 10,000 customers lost power.
Lesson Learned: Severe thunderstorms can strike suddenly and without warning. It is crucial to have a plan in place and know what to do if a storm approaches.
Storm 3:
In July 2018, a severe thunderstorm moved through Montgomery County, bringing 60 mph winds, tree damage, and flooding. The storm left 20,000 customers without power and caused significant damage to infrastructure.
Lesson Learned: Severe thunderstorms can have a lasting impact on communities. It is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate potential damage.
Pros:
Cons:
Q: When are severe thunderstorms most likely to hit?
A: Severe thunderstorms are most likely to hit in the spring and summer months, between April and August.
Q: What should I do if I am caught in a severe thunderstorm?
A: If you are caught in a severe thunderstorm, seek shelter indoors immediately. Stay away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances.
Q: How can I stay updated on severe weather forecasts?
A: You can stay updated on severe weather forecasts by listening to local news and weather broadcasts, subscribing to weather apps, and following the National Weather Service on social media.
As Sunday night approaches, please take the following actions to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones:
By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, we can help mitigate the impacts of severe thunderstorms and keep our communities safe.
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