Wind Advisory, Flood Watch For Christmas Eve In Eastern PA

PENNSYLVANIA — The National Weather Service has issued both a wind advisory and a flood watch for Christmas Eve, ahead of a storm that's expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the region.

The wind advisory is in place from 6 p.m. Thursday through Friday morning. Winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected.

Here's a map of expected wind gusts:

"Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result," the National Weather Service warned.

You should secure any outdoor holiday decorations before the strong winds arrive, forecasters with that agency advise.

The rain will move into the region on Thursday night. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain is expected with as much as 3 to 4 inches of rain possible over the southern Poconos.

"Flows in rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels," the National Weather Service said.

Gov. Tom Wolf issued a statement on the storm, telling residents to “stay alert and pay close attention to local weather forecasts so you can be prepared.

He said the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with all counties. "Please stay home and stay safe. And thank you to our first responders and emergency personnel who are working tirelessly through the holiday to keep everyone safe," Wolf said.