System To Bring Thunderstorms, High Winds To Eastern PA

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA — Some severe weather is possible Thursday as a storm system that brought flooding and hail to parts of the Midwest moves over the Northeast, including the Philadelphia region. After the storms move through, expect very windy conditions Friday.

Thunderstorms, heavy rain and even flash flooding are possible along the East Coast Thursday, according to The Weather Channel. The storms will weaken as they move north into the afternoon and evening, that network said.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook and a High Wind Watch have been issued for the Philadelphia region.

According to the National Weather Service, there could be showers Thursday afternoon, with thunderstorms possible starting around 3 p.m.

The chance of thunderstorms continues through about 10 p.m., the National Weather Service predicts.

Otherwise, expect cloudy skies with a high near 79.

The storms should clear by Friday, but it will be windy. A High Wind Watch will be in place Friday afternoon through evening. Expect northwest winds between 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph.

"Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," the Weather Service warns.

The strongest wind gusts are expected to occur Friday evening through the early morning hours Saturday.

Here is the local forecast:

Today: A chance of showers before 3 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10 p.m., then a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 57. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A slight chance of showers before 7 a.m., then isolated showers after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Breezy, with a northwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 66. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.