Pennsylvania, 2011

Flash Flooding and Flooding in Pennsylvania, September 5 to 10, 2011

September 5 to 10, 2011 · NWS PHI · 32 events in 10 counties and zones

The remnants of Tropical Storm Lee that interacted with a stalled frontal boundary produced several days with periods of heavy rain across Eastern Pennsylvania from the 5th into the 8th. Event precipitation totals averaged 4 to 9 inches, except in Berks County where 6 to 12 inches fell.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 2 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
1
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
32

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS PHI wrote it up.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Lee that interacted with a stalled frontal boundary produced several days with periods of heavy rain across Eastern Pennsylvania from the 5th into the 8th. Event precipitation totals averaged 4 to 9 inches, except in Berks County where 6 to 12 inches fell. One drowning occurred in Philadelphia. The heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage flooding as well as moderate flooding along the Delaware and Schuylkill Basins and minor to moderate flooding along the Lehigh River Basin. Crests in the upper Schuylkill, Lehigh and Delaware River Basins were higher than what occurred with Irene the previous month and the highest crests since late June of 2006 in most instances. The crests along the Delaware River were 2 to 4 feet higher than what occurred during Irene. Some of the smaller streams in southeastern Pennsylvania reached major flooding levels, but most of those crests were lower than what occurred with Irene. In addition to the freshwater flooding, moderate tidal flooding occurred along the lower Delaware River and its tributaries.

In the most recent available flooding assessment for Eastern Pennsylvania, there were 22 homes and businesses that were destroyed, 201 that suffered major damage, 672 that had minor damage and 1217 others that were affected. The preliminary damage estimate for the state of Pennsylvania was five hundred million dollars. Please look for possible updates in future monthly issues of stormdata.| |The combination of fresh water runoff and a weak southerly flow produced moderate tidal flooding during the evening high tide cycles from the 7th through the 9th and minor tidal flooding with all of the other high tide cycles from the evening of the 6th through overnight on the 11th. The highest tides occurred during the evening high tide cycle on the 8th in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties and the evening high tide cycle on the 9th in Bucks County. The evening high tide on the 8th in Philadelphia reached 9.41 feet above mean lower low water. Moderate tidal flooding starts at 9.2 feet above mean lower low water. The high tide in Newbold Island (Bucks County) reached 12.11 feet above mean lower low water. There is no current categorical tide gage information for this site.

Tropical Storm Lee made landfall in Louisiana during the morning of the 4th and moved slowly northeast. An approaching cold front from the Mississippi Valley reached Lee by the morning of the 5th and transformed it to an extratropical system on the 5th in Mississippi. The same cold front acted as a conduit for Lee's moisture farther to the northeast. Showers and thunderstorms from that approaching cold front arrived during the evening and overnight on the 5th and set off the first round of flash flooding rains in Northeast Pennsylvania. The front then stalled just south of Delmarva on the 6th. A relative lull in the rain then occurred during the morning of the 6th. As the front started to back north as a warm front later in the day on the 6th, more bands of heavier rain returned that afternoon and particularly that evening. A blocking weather pattern then moved the frontal boundary little from the morning of the 7th into the morning of the 8th across southeast Pennsylvania. A couple of bands of flash flood producing rains started to form and move east into Eastern Pennsylvania during the late afternoon and evening of the 7th and continued through the night. The frontal boundary started to drift offshore later in the day on the 8th and most of the precipitation associated with Lee was done.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Sep 5, 6:13 PM EST, 2 hours 3 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Sep 5, 6:13 PM EST, 2 hours 3 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
713 PM EDT MON SEP 5 2011

.SYNOPSIS...
A FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL PROGRESS EASTWARD AND IT SHOULD PASS
THROUGH OUR REGION DURING THE EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS. THE
FRONT IS ANTICIPATED TO STALL TO OUR SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH DURING
THE MID WEEK PERIOD BEFORE DISSIPATING. WEAK HIGH PRESSURE WILL
TRY TO DRIFT INTO OUR REGION FROM THE NORTH FOR FRIDAY AND
SATURDAY WITH TROPICAL SYSTEM KATIA EXPECTED TO REMAIN OUT OVER
THE WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC. A COLD FRONT FROM THE NORTH MAY ARRIVE
ON SATURDAY NIGHT OR SUNDAY.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM TUESDAY MORNING/...
SHOWERS OVER OUR WESTERN ZONES WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE COLD FRONT
OVER THE EASTERN APPALACHIANS. THIS FRONT WILL FOCUS MOISTURE AND
ENERGY AS IT MOVES SLOWLY EASTWARD THROUGH OUR AREA TONIGHT. SO
FAR...THE SHOWERS HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THE DEEP SOUTH SOUTHWEST
FLOW HAVE BEEN AFFECTING EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND NORTHWEST NEW
JERSEY. BASED ON THE MOTION...THE CHANCE OF SHOWERS WAS PUSHED
BACK A BIT FOR EASTERN NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHERN DELAWARE THIS
EVENING.

SHOWERS ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME MORE NUMEROUS... EVENTUALLY BECOMING
WIDESPREAD DURING TONIGHT AND SPREADING EASTWARD THROUGHOUT THE
AREA. RAIN WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES ESPECIALLY OVER OUR WESTERN
ZONES. PRECIPITABLE WATER VALUES OF 1.50 TO 1.75 INCHES ARE
FORECAST TO RESULT IN AREAS OF HEAVY RAIN...ESPECIALLY AS MOISTURE
FROM FORMER TROPICAL STORM LEE IS ENTRAINED UP THE APPALACHIANS.
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH WILL CONTINUE AS IS...AS THE HEAVY RAIN
FOCUS IS STILL EXPECTED OVER OUR WEST- CENTRAL AND NORTHWESTERN
REGIONS. SOUTH WINDS WILL SWITCH TO NORTH OVERNIGHT FOR WESTERN
AND CENTRAL ZONES...BUT MAY REMAIN SOUTH OR SOUTHWEST FOR THE
SOUTHEAST.

GFS AND NAM MOS GUIDANCE REMAIN SIMILAR ON TEMPERATURES...
ALTHOUGH BOTH HAVE DROPPED MINIMUMS SLIGHTLY FOR TONIGHT COMPARED
TO PREVIOUS RUNS IN VIEW OF THE RAIN-COOLED AIR.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH 6 PM TUESDAY/...
RAIN IS EXPECTED TO PREVAIL TUESDAY AND BE HEAVY AT TIMES...AS
BROAD-SCALE ASCENT WILL REMAIN IN THE VICINITY AND IN THE WAKE OF
THE SURFACE COLD FRONT...AND EXCESSIVE MOISTURE DRIVES UP THE
APPALACHIANS. SEE THE HYDROLOGY SECTION BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.
ESSENTIALLY...GENERAL RAIN AMOUNTS OF 1.25 TO 1.50 INCHES OF RAIN
ARE EXPECTED THROUGH TUESDAY NORTHWEST...SHADING DOWN TO 0.75 INCHES
OVER OUR SOUTHEASTERN ZONES. HOWEVER...LOCAL AMOUNTS IN BANDS THAT
SET UP MAY BE MUCH HIGHER...HENCE THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH.

AS THE FRONT SLIPS THROUGH THE REST OF THE AREA EARLY TUESDAY...
NORTH WINDS WILL BECOME NORTHEAST AND CAUSE A SHOWERY AND DREARY
DAY.

A RATHER PRONOUNCED LACK OF A DIURNAL TEMPERATURE RANGE IS
EXPECTED WITH RAIN AND CLOUDS AND A NORTHEAST FLOW. MOS GUIDANCE
SOLUTIONS SEEMED ACCEPTABLE WITH THIS IN MIND.

&&

.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
DURING THE PERIOD FROM TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY, THE MID LEVEL
LOW ASSOCIATED WITH THE REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE IS EXPECTED
TO DRIFT NORTHWARD FROM THE TENNESSEE RIVER VALLEY TO THE MIDDLE AND
LOWER OHIO RIVER VALLEY. OUR REGION WILL REMAIN UNDER A MOIST
SOUTHERLY FLOW AND WE CONTINUE TO ANTICIPATE PERIODS OF RAIN WITH
SCATTERED TO ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS. WITH A GOOD MOISTURE SOURCE, WE
EXPECT THE RAIN TO BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SOME
FLOODING. HOWEVER, THE LATEST GUIDANCE CONTINUES TO SHIFT THE AXIS
OF THE HEAVIEST RAIN TO OUR WEST AND OVER CENTRAL AND WESTERN
PENNSYLVANIA.

WE WILL KEEP THE FLOOD WATCH IN PLACE UNTIL NOON ON WEDNESDAY FOR
NOW. BASED ON HOW EVENTS UNFOLD, WE MAY NEED TO EXTEND IT IN TIME,
PERHAPS FOR SOME OF OUR COUNTIES IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.

ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, THE MID LEVEL LOW SHOULD TRANSITION TO AN
OPEN WAVE AS THE MOISTURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO
DISSIPATE. MEANWHILE, TROPICAL SYSTEM KATIA CONTINUES TO BE FORECAST
TO TURN BACK OUT OVER THE NORTH ATLANTIC AT THAT TIME. WEAK HIGH
PRESSURE IS EXPECTED TO DRIFT DOWN INTO OUR REGION FROM THE NORTH.
AS A RESULT, WE WILL INDICATE A DECREASING CHANCE FOR SHOWERS.

A FRONTAL BOUNDARY FROM THE NORTH MAY ARRIVE ON SATURDAY NIGHT OR
SUNDAY. IT DOES NOT APPEAR AS THOUGH IT WILL HAVE MUCH MOISTURE
ASSOCIATED WITH IT, SO WE HAVE NOT INCLUDED THE MENTION OF ANY
PRECIPITATION.

TEMPERATURES WILL LIKELY RUN NEAR OR A BIT BELOW NORMAL DURING THE
PERIOD FROM TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY.

&&

.AVIATION /23Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS FOR KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG, KILG,
KMIV, KACY AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

THE SURFACE FRONT CONTINUES TO TRUNDLE TO THE EAST...AND IT WILL
BE THE FOCUS FOR HEAVY RAIN AND MVFR/IFR CONDITIONS THIS EVENING
INTO THE EARLY OVERNIGHT HOURS. MVFR/BORDERLINE IFR VISIBILITIES
HAVE ALREADY BEEN SEEN AT KRDG AND KABE IN THE HEAVY RAIN. OUTSIDE
THE RAIN...CONDITIONS CONTINUE VFR.

WITH AND JUST AHEAD OF THE FRONT...WARM PROCESS/LOW TOPPED
CONVECTION WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE EAST...WHILE INDIVIDUAL CELLS
MOVE NORTHEAST. BASED ON THIS...VFR CONDITIONS WILL TRANSITION TO
MVFR FROM WEST TO EAST BETWEEN 0000 UTC AND 0900 UTC (FROM KABE
AND KRDG...WITH KACY SEEING CONDITIONS COME DOWN THE LATEST.

ONCE THE FRONT HAS PASSED...CONDITIONS SHOULD SETTLE INTO THE MVFR
RANGE WITH BOTH CEILINGS AND VISIBILITIES. AS THE NEW AIRMASS
SATURATES...THE LOWER INVERSION SHOULD FILL IN...AND IFR CEILINGS
ARE EXPECTED IN ALL AREAS BETWEEN 0600 UTC AND 1200 UTC TUESDAY.

WINDS HAVE BEEN GUSTING WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE FRONT FROM THE
NORTH...BUT GIVEN THAT MOST PLACES WILL SEE THE FRONTAL PASSAGE
AFTER DARK...GUSTS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE FORECAST.

THE LOWER INVERSION REMAINS IN PLACE TUESDAY MORNING...WITH IFR
CEILINGS. THERE IS SOME HINT IN THE MODEL SOUNDINGS THAT THE
INVERSION COULD RISE TO ALLOW CEILINGS TO BRIEFLY REACH MVFR
DURING THE MIDDAY HOURS. HOWEVER...THE NORTHEAST FLOW AND COOLING
OF LATE AFTERNOON PROBABLY BRING CEILINGS BACK TO IFR IN ALL AREAS
BEFORE 0000 UTC WEDNESDAY.

OUTLOOK...
UNSETTLED CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED FROM TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
THURSDAY WITH PERIODS OF RAIN, POSSIBLY HEAVY AT TIMES, ALONG WITH
THE POTENTIAL FOR LOW CEILINGS AND REDUCED VISIBILITY VALUES. A
GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT IS ANTICIPATED FOR THE PERIOD FROM THURSDAY
NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY AS WEAK HIGH PRESSURE FROM THE NORTH TRIES TO
BUILD INTO OUR REGION.

&&

.MARINE...
THE SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS UP FOR THE OCEAN WATERS THROUGH
LATE TUESDAY NIGHT. CONDITIONS ARE TRYING TO SURMOUNT THRESHOLDS THIS
AFTERNOON...BUT HAVE NOT QUITE MADE IT THIS AFTERNOON. THIS IS
EXPECTED TO OCCUR THOUGH LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING...
AND THEN CONTINUE THROUGH TUESDAY.

AN ONSHORE FLOW IS EXPECTED FROM TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY. THE
WIND DIRECTION IS FORECAST TO BACK FROM THE NORTHEAST TO THE
NORTHWEST ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AS TROPICAL SYSTEM KATIA PASSES
WELL TO OUR EAST. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS AND GUSTS ARE FORECAST TO
REMAIN BELOW 25 KNOTS THROUGH THE PERIOD.

WAVES ON OUR OCEAN WATERS ARE EXPECTED TO BUILD AS SWELLS FROM
TROPICAL SYSTEM KATIA REACH THE COASTAL WATERS OF DELAWARE AND NEW
JERSEY. WAVE HEIGHTS MAY REACH 10 FEET OR MORE FROM THURSDAY BASED
ON THE EXPECTED PROGRESS OF THE SYSTEM. IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT WE WILL
NEED A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FOR SEAS FOR MUCH OF THE PERIOD FROM
TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY WITH SOME IMPROVEMENT POSSIBLE FOR
SATURDAY.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH PREVIOUSLY ISSUED REMAINS UP FOR OUR
WEST-CENTRAL AND NORTHWESTERN ZONES WHERE THE THREAT IS GREATEST...
ESPECIALLY IN VIEW OF EXTREME ANTECEDENT RAINFALL. WITH TROPICAL
RAINS FROM FORMER TROPICAL STORM LEE SURGING UP THE APPALACHIANS
AND THE COASTAL PLAIN...PRECIPITABLE WATER VALUES ARE SEEN TO
INCREASE TUESDAY TO 1.75 INCHES TO 2.25 INCHES. THIS IS VERY
LIKELY TO RESULT IN URBAN AND HIGHWAY FLOODING. SMALL STREAMS WILL
RESPOND AS WELL...WITH SMALL STREAM FLOODING A REAL POSSIBILITY.
RUNOFF FROM MONDAY NIGHTS RAINS WILL DRAIN INTO THE WESTERN MAIN
STEM RIVERS BY TUESDAY MORNING...AND THE RAIN OF TUESDAY WILL
CONTINUE DRAINING INTO ALL OF OUR LARGER RIVERS DURING TUESDAY.
WITH SATURATED SOIL FROM EXCESSIVE PREVIOUS RAINS...AND ALREADY
HIGH STREAM LEVELS...RUNOFF WILL BE FORCED TO FIND ABOVE GROUND
AVENUES. THIS COULD LEAD TO A RENEWAL OF DANGEROUS FLOODING AROUND
THE AREA.

&&

.RIP CURRENTS...
A MODERATE RISK FOR RIP CURRENTS IS BEING FORECAST FOR TUESDAY AT
THIS POINT. IN-HOUSE GUIDANCE WAS INDICATING A MODERATE RISK FOR
TUESDAY...BUT ON THE CUSP OF HIGH. THIS WILL BE DUE TO A NORTHEAST
FLOW AND A VERY LONG PERIOD TO THE SWELLS. SO...STAY TUNED FOR AN
INCREASE TO THE HIGH RISK CATEGORY IF LATER FORECASTS INDICATE
STRONGER CONDITIONS.

LONG PERIOD SWELLS FROM TROPICAL SYSTEM KATIA WILL LIKELY CAUSE
DANGEROUS RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS ALONG THE COASTS OF DELAWARE AND
NEW JERSEY FROM WEDNESDAY THROUGH AT LEAST FRIDAY.

&&

.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOR PAZ054-055-060>062-
     067>071.
NJ...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOR NJZ001-007>010-012-
     013-015>019.
DE...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOR DEZ001.
MD...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOR MDZ008.
MARINE...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UNTIL 6 AM EDT WEDNESDAY FOR ANZ450>455.

&&

SYNOPSIS...IOVINO
NEAR TERM...HAYES
SHORT TERM...
LONG TERM...IOVINO
AVIATION...IOVINO/HAYES
MARINE...IOVINO
HYDROLOGY...
RIP CURRENTS...
Hazardous weather outlook, Sep 5, 2:42 PM EST, 5 hours 34 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
342 PM EDT MON SEP 5 2011

DEZ001-MDZ008-NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>019-PAZ054-055-060>062-
067>071-062100-
NEW CASTLE-CECIL-SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX-
WESTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-SALEM-GLOUCESTER-CAMDEN-
NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON-CARBON-MONROE-BERKS-LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON-
CHESTER-MONTGOMERY-BUCKS-DELAWARE-PHILADELPHIA-
342 PM EDT MON SEP 5 2011

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHERN DELAWARE...NORTHEAST
MARYLAND...CENTRAL NEW JERSEY...NORTHERN NEW JERSEY...NORTHWEST NEW
JERSEY...SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY...EAST CENTRAL
PENNSYLVANIA...NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AND SOUTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   FLOOD WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   FLOOD WATCH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

DEZ002-003-MDZ012-015-019-020-NJZ020>023-027-062100-
KENT-INLAND SUSSEX-KENT MD-QUEEN ANNES-TALBOT-CAROLINE-OCEAN-
CUMBERLAND-ATLANTIC-CAPE MAY-SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON-
342 PM EDT MON SEP 5 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL DELAWARE...SOUTHERN
DELAWARE...NORTHEAST MARYLAND AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

DEZ004-NJZ014-024>026-062100-
DELAWARE BEACHES-EASTERN MONMOUTH-ATLANTIC COASTAL CAPE MAY-
COASTAL ATLANTIC-COASTAL OCEAN-
342 PM EDT MON SEP 5 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHERN DELAWARE...CENTRAL
NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS FOR TUESDAY.

LONG PERIOD SWELLS FROM TROPICAL SYSTEM KATIA WILL LIKELY CAUSE
DANGEROUS RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS ALONG THE COASTS OF DELAWARE AND
NEW JERSEY FROM WEDNESDAY THROUGH AT LEAST FRIDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

ANZ450>455-062100-
COASTAL WATERS FROM SANDY HOOK TO MANASQUAN INLET NJ OUT 20 NM-
COASTAL WATERS FROM MANASQUAN INLET TO LITTLE EGG INLET NJ OUT 20 NM-
COASTAL WATERS FROM LITTLE EGG INLET TO GREAT EGG INLET NJ OUT 20 NM-
COASTAL WATERS FROM GREAT EGG INLET TO CAPE MAY NJ OUT 20 NM-
COASTAL WATERS FROM CAPE MAY NJ TO CAPE HENLOPEN DE OUT 20 NM-
COASTAL WATERS FROM CAPE HENLOPEN TO FENWICK ISLAND DE OUT 20 NM-
342 PM EDT MON SEP 5 2011

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT WEDNESDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR ATLANTIC COASTAL WATERS.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY.

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FOR SEAS WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED FROM
WEDNESDAY THROUGH AT LEAST FRIDAY DUE TO THE SWELLS FROM TROPICAL
SYSTEM KATIA.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

ANZ430-431-062100-
DELAWARE BAY WATERS NORTH OF EAST POINT NJ TO SLAUGHTER BEACH DE-
DELAWARE BAY WATERS SOUTH OF EAST POINT NJ TO SLAUGHTER BEACH DE-
342 PM EDT MON SEP 5 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR DELAWARE BAY WATERS.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Sep 5, 5:03 PM EST, 3 hours 13 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
603 PM EDT MON SEP 5 2011

DEZ001-002-MDZ008-012-015-020-NJZ001-007>010-012-015>019-021-
PAZ060>062-067>071-060000-
BERKS PA-BUCKS PA-CAMDEN NJ-CAROLINE MD-CECIL MD-CHESTER PA-
CUMBERLAND NJ-DELAWARE PA-GLOUCESTER NJ-HUNTERDON NJ-KENT MD-KENT DE-
LEHIGH PA-MERCER NJ-MIDDLESEX NJ-MONTGOMERY PA-MORRIS NJ-
NEW CASTLE DE-NORTHAMPTON PA-NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON NJ-
PHILADELPHIA PA-QUEEN ANNE'S MD-SALEM NJ-SOMERSET NJ-SUSSEX NJ-
WARREN NJ-
603 PM EDT MON SEP 5 2011

...SHOWERS WITH HEAVY RAINFALL WILL AFFECT KENT...CAROLINE...
CECIL...SUSSEX...WARREN...MORRIS...HUNTERDON...SOMERSET...
SALEM...CUMBERLAND...CAMDEN...GLOUCESTER...MERCER...MIDDLESEX...
DELAWARE...PHILADELPHIA...CHESTER...MONTGOMERY...BERKS...LEHIGH...
NORTHAMPTON...BUCKS...QUEEN ANNE'S...NEW CASTLE AND BURLINGTON
COUNTIES...

AT 600 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED
SHOWERS ASSOCIATED WITH A SLOW MOVING COLD FRONT OVER NORTHERN NEW
JERSEY, EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, NORTHERN DELAWARE, AND NORTHEAST
MARYLAND. THE SHOWERS AND POSSIBLY AN ISOLATED THUNDERSTORM OR TWO
WILL MOVE NORTHEAST AT 25 TO 30 MPH THIS EVENING.

VERY HEAVY RAIN WILL FALL FROM SOME OF THESE SHOWERS...AND WILL
CAUSE WATER TO POND ON ROADS AND QUICKLY FILL ROADSIDE DITCHES AND
SMALL STREAMS.

MOTORISTS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR RAPIDLY CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS
AND GIVE THEMSELVES EXTRA TRAVEL TIME.

LAT...LON 4120 7437 4104 7449 4097 7427 4059 7444
      4058 7422 3933 7537 3946 7555 3958 7556
      3946 7558 3924 7539 3882 7578 3916 7628
      3951 7599 3972 7624 3978 7607 4014 7590
      4049 7642 4086 7531 4135 7468

RPW

The radar

The Philadelphia radar (KDIX), 110 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 01:14 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

18 flood, 11 flash flood, 3 coastal flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Montgomery

When
September 5, 8:16 PM EST to September 6, 2:44 AM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 0.69 mi N of Palm to 0.69 mi ENE of Sassamansville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.440, -75.530

Thunderstorms with heavy rain caused poor drainage flooding and flash flooding of smaller streams in extreme northern Montgomery County in Upper Hanover Township. The Perkiomen Creek at East Greenville was above its 4 foot flood stage from 916 p.m. EDT on the 5th through 344 a.m. EDT on the 6th. It crested at 5.57 feet at 1 a.m. EDT on the 6th. Event precipitation totals through the morning of the 6th included 3.00 inches in Palm.

Flash Flood, Lehigh

When
September 5, 9:00 PM EST to September 6, 1:00 AM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 0.87 mi SW of Corning to 1.05 mi SSE of Hosensack
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.460, -75.540

Thunderstorms with heavy rain caused poor drainage flooding and flash flooding of smaller streams in lower Lehigh County mainly in Lower Milford and Upper Saucon Townships. Doppler Radar storm total estimates reached 2 to 3 inches in this area.

Flash Flood, Northampton

When
September 5, 9:00 PM EST to September 6, 1:00 AM EST
Where
Northampton County, 0.87 mi NW of Fountain Hill to 0.87 mi W of Leithsville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.610, -75.390

Thunderstorms with heavy rain caused poor drainage flooding and flash flooding of smaller streams in lower Northampton County mainly in Williams and Lower Saucon Townships. Doppler Radar storm total estimates reached 2 to 3 inches in this area and event precipitation totals through the morning of the 6th included 2.87 inches in Glendon and 2.60 inches in Martins Creek.

Flood, Philadelphia

When
September 6, 2:07 PM EST to September 7, 5:00 PM EST
Where
Philadelphia County, 1.48 mi SSE of Torresdale to 2.33 mi SE of (Phl)philadelphia in
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.030, -74.990

The first round of heavier rain that started on the 6th produced widespread poor drainage, creek and river flooding in Philadelphia that persisted through the afternoon of the 7th. A mudslide forced the closure of the Schuylkill Expressway on the 7th between the Blue Route (Interstate 476) in Montgomery County and Girard Avenue in Philadelphia.The Schuylkill River in Philadelphia was above its 11 foot flood stage from 425 a.m. EDT through 6 p.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 12.03 feet at 1230 p.m. EDT. The Wissahickon Creek at its mouth was above its 5 foot flood stage from 715 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 342 p.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 6.22 feet at Noon EDT on the 7th. The Pennypack Creek at the Rhawn Street Bridge had moderate flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 307 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 2 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 9.46 feet at 1030 p.m. EDT on the 6th. The Pennypack Creek at the Rhawn Street Bridge was above its 7 foot flood stage again from 630 a.m. EDT through 1115 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 8.34 feet at 930 a.m. EDT. The Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue was above its 7 foot flood stage from 711 p.m. EDT through 726 p.m. EDT on the 6th. It crested at 7.21 feet at 715 p.m. EDT.

Flood, Montgomery

When
September 6, 5:03 PM EST to September 10, 4:30 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.72 mi WSW of Stowe to 1.72 mi W of Overbrook Hills
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.241, -75.710

Smaller rivers and streams flooded twice during successive periods of heavier rain in the county, once from the evening of the 6th into the early afternoon of the 7th and again from the late afternoon of the 7th into the afternoon of the 8th. The heavy rain saturated the soil and knocked over a couple of weak trees in Pottstown and Collegeville. Meanwhile flooding along the Schuylkill River started during the evening of the 6th and continued through the morning of the 10th. A mudslide forced the closure of the Schuylkill Expressway on the 7th between the Blue Route (Interstate 476) and Girard Avenue within Philadelphia. On the morning of the 7th, the Fort Washington Interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was closed in both directions. There were road closures due to flooding in Pottstown, Lower Providence, Schwenksville and Collegeville. The Perkiomen Valley School District in Collegeville had two hour delayed openings as three bridges were closed.

The Schuylkill River at Pottstown had moderate flooding, its 6th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. The river was above its 12.5 foot flood stage from 505 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 141 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 18.27 feet at 630 a.m. EDT on the 9th. Farther downstream the Schuylkill River at Norristown had moderate flooding and was above its 13 foot flood stage from 1056 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 530 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 16.06 feet at 1015 a.m. EDT on the 7th.

During the first round of widespread flooding, the West Branch Perkiomen Creek at Hillegass was above its 5 foot flood stage from 318 a.m. EDT through 407 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 5.04 feet at 330 a.m. EDT. The East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Schwenksville was above its 7 foot flood stage from 919 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 220 p.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 9.19 feet at 5 a.m. EDT on the 7th. The main stem of the Perkiomen Creek at East Greenville was above its 4 foot flood stage from 603 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 1111 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 5.73 feet at 745 a.m. EDT on the 7th. Farther downstream, the Perkiomen Creek at Graterford had moderate flooding and was above its 11 foot flood stage from 1118 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 217 p.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 13.93 feet at 545 a.m. EDT on the 7th. The Wissahickon Creek at Fort Washington was above its 9 foot flood stage from 745 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 1205 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 9.97 feet at 915 p.m. EDT on the 6th. The Wissahickon Creek at Fort Washington then had moderate flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage again from 509 a.m. EDT through 1056 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 10.86 feet at 815 a.m. EDT.

During the second round of widespread flooding, the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Schwenksville had major flooding and its 7th highest crest on record. It was above its 7 foot flood stage from 544 a.m. EDT through 214 p.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 10.82 feet at 1215 p.m. EDT on the 8th. The Main Stem of the Perkiomen Creek at East Greenville was above its 4 foot flood stage from 620 p.m. EDT through 1113 p.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 4.48 feet at 915 p.m. EDT. The Wissahickon Creek at Fort Washington had major flooding and its 2nd highest crest on record, 2nd only to the crest recorded during Hurricane Floyd on September 16, 1999. It was above its 9 foot flood stage from 250 a.m. EDT through 1242 p.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 16.68 feet at 645 a.m. EDT.

Entire event rainfall totals included 7.99 inches in Conshohocken, 6.74 inches in Blue Bell, 5.80 inches in Norristown, 5.42 inches in Pottstown, 5.40 inches in Green Lane, 4.75 inches in Collegeville and 4.66 inches in Rockledge.

Flood, Chester

When
September 6, 7:09 PM EST to September 7, 3:48 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 2 mi NE of Phoenixville to 2.57 mi E of Spring City
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.151, -75.493

During the first round of widespread flooding in Chester County, the French Creek at Phoenixville was above its 8 foot flood stage from 245 a.m. EDT through 632 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 8.97 feet at 4 a.m. EDT. The East Branch of the Brandywine Creek at Downingtown had moderate flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 839 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 1006 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 9.53 feet at 615 a.m. EDT on the 7th. The main stem of the Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford was above its 9 foot flood stage from 225 a.m. EDT through 448 p.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 10.14 feet at 1230 p.m. EDT. The Valley Creek at Valley Forge was above its 7 foot flood stage from 809 p.m. EDT through 1113 p.m. EDT on the 6th. It crested at 7.57 feet at 845 p.m. EDT. The Valley Creek at Valley Forge was again above its 7 foot flood stage from 328 a.m. EDT through 746 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 7.48 feet at 645 a.m. EDT.

Flood, Delaware

When
September 6, 7:28 PM EST to September 7, 3:48 PM EST
Where
Delaware County, 2.12 mi W of Chadds Ford to 3.16 mi WSW of Edgemont
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.870, -75.610

The first round of widespread heavier rain that started on the 6th caused creek flooding concentrated in the southwest half of Delaware County. The Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford was above its 9 foot flood stage from 225 a.m. EDT through 448 p.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 10.14 feet at 1230 p.m. EDT. The Chester Creek at Chester was above its 8 foot flood stage from 828 p.m. EDT through 1115 p.m. EDT on the 6th. It crested at 8.39 feet at 1015 p.m. EDT. The Chester Creek at Chester was above its 8 foot flood stage again from 328 a.m. EDT through 721 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 9.43 feet at 530 a.m. EDT. The Crum Creek at Newtown Square was above its 6 foot flood stage from 325 a.m. EDT through 649 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 7.07 feet at 430 a.m. EDT.

Flood, Bucks

When
September 6, 7:31 PM EST to September 7, 6:35 PM EST
Where
Bucks County, Trumbauersville to 2.14 mi WNW of Stanwood
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.420, -75.380

The first round of heavier rain that started on the 6th and persisted overnight caused poor drainage and mostly smaller creek flooding in Bucks County.

The East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Dublin was above its 5 foot flood stage from 831 p.m. EDT through 1015 p.m. EDT on the 6th. It crested at 5.51 feet at 930 p.m. EDT. The East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Dublin was again above its 5 foot flood stage from 410 a.m. EDT through 615 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 5.68 feet at 515 a.m. EDT. The Neshaminy Creek at Langhorne had moderate flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 835 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 443 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 10.27 feet at 11 p.m. EDT on the 6th. The Neshaminy Creek at Langhorne again had moderate flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 849 a.m. EDT through 735 p.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 10.7 feet at 246 p.m. EDT.

Flood, Berks

When
September 6, 9:15 PM EST to September 7, 12:37 AM EST
Where
Berks County, 1.33 mi SSW of Manatawny to 1.45 mi SW of Shanesville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.361, -75.736

Heavy rain caused flooding along the Manatawny Creek. The Manatawny Creek at Spangsville was above its 6 foot flood stage from 1015 p.m. EDT on the 6th through 137 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 6.07 feet at 1145 p.m. EDT on the 6th.

Flood, Monroe

When
September 7, 12:00 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where
Monroe County, 1.49 mi WNW of East Stroudsburg to 0.85 mi ESE of Shawnee on Deleware
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
41.031, -75.204

The runoff from the heavier rain that fell overnight caused poor drainage flooding across eastern Monroe County on the morning of the 7th. Pennsylvania State Route 447 and Cherry Valley Road were closed in Stroud Township and Stonehouse Road was closed in Smithfield Township. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was also closed.

Flood, Northampton

When
September 7, 1:40 AM EST to September 10, 2:55 AM EST
Where
Northampton County, 1.57 mi W of Slatington Arpt to 0.69 mi WSW of Leithsville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.770, -75.630

Runoff from two additional rounds of heavier rain caused poor drainage flooding as well as flooding along most of the gaged streams and rivers in Northampton County including the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers. In Easton, the Delaware River flooded Larry Holmes Boulevard and Pennsylvania State Route 611. In Upper Mount Bethel Township, flooding along the Delaware River reached homes. Some schools were closed in the eastern part of the county on the 8th and 9th.

The Monocacy Creek at Bethlehem was above its 4.5 foot flood stage from 240 a.m. EDT on the 7th through 532 a.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 5.65 feet at 115 p.m. EDT on the 7th. The Monocacy Creek at Bethlehem was again above its 4.5 foot flood stage from 1252 p.m. EDT through 615 p.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 4.78 feet at 215 p.m. EDT. The Lehigh River at Walnutport was briefly above its 8 foot flood stage from 945 a.m. EDT through 1038 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 8.01 feet at 10 a.m. EDT. The Lehigh River at Walnutport was then again above its 8 foot flood stage from 317 p.m. EDT on the 8th through 102 a.m. EDT on the 9th. It crested at 8.8 feet at 9 p.m. EDT on the 8th. Farther downstream, the Lehigh River at Glendon had major flooding, its 6th highest crest on record and its highest crest since June of 2006. The river was above its 19 foot flood stage from 900 a.m. EDT on the 8th through 130 p.m. EDT on the 9th. It crested at 21.45 feet at 245 a.m. EDT on the 9th.|The Delaware River at Easton had moderate flooding, its 8th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. It was above its 22 foot flood stage from 654 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 355 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 29.23 feet at 3 a.m. EDT on the 9th. Farther upstream, the Delaware River at Belvidere (Warren County) crested below its flood stage of 22 feet.

Entire event rainfall totals included 8.82 inches in Williams Township, 8.67 inches in Bethlehem, 8.08 inches in Glendon, 7.95 inches in Easton and 7.14 inches in Walnutport.

Flood, Berks

When
September 7, 4:30 AM EST to 9:05 AM EST
Where
Berks County, 1.33 mi SSW of Manatawny to 1.45 mi SW of Shanesville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.361, -75.736

Heavy rain again caused flooding along the Manatawny Creek. Flooding also forced the closure of U.S. Route 422 in Amity Township. The Manatawny Creek at Spangsville was again above its 6 foot flood stage from 530 a.m. EDT through 1005 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 6.26 feet at 815 a.m. EDT.

Flood, Lehigh

When
September 7, 4:49 AM EST to 9:38 AM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 2.08 mi N of Slatington to 0.87 mi NNE of Emerald
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.780, -75.600

Runoff from the heavy rain that fell overnight on the 6th caused poor drainage and some waterway flooding in Lehigh County. The Lehigh River at Walnutport (Northampton County) was briefly above its 8 foot flood stage from 945 a.m. EDT through 1038 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 8.01 feet at 10 a.m. EDT. The Little Lehigh at Little Lehigh Park in Allentown was above its 6 foot flood stage from 549 a.m. EDT through 858 a.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 6.35 feet at 745 a.m. EDT.

Flood, Carbon

When
September 7, 5:00 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where
Carbon County, 0.84 mi SE of Palmerton to 0.79 mi ESE of Aquashicola
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
40.811, -75.589

Runoff from the heavy rain that fell overnight on the 6th caused flooding along the Aquashicola Creek in Lower Towamensing Township. Total event precipitation totals included 7.04 inches in Weatherly, 6.57 inches in Hauto, 5.07 inches in Lehighton and 4.36 inches in Towamensing Township.

Flash Flood, Berks

When
September 7, 2:00 PM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 4.6 mi NW of Frystown to 2.51 mi WSW of Wernersville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
40.490, -76.400

Repeating showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flash flooding of smaller streams and poor drainage areas in western Berks County during the afternoon and evening of the 7th. Twenty-four hour rainfall totals ending at 8 a.m. EDT on the 8th reached around 6 inches. Hardest hit were Bethel, Tulpehocken and Marion Townships. In Marion Township, water rescues were performed. Off of Canal Road within the township, a herd of cattle became stranded in a field. U.S. Route 422 was closed in Wolmelsdorf Borough.

Flash Flood, Chester

When
September 7, 2:50 PM EST to 6:00 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.87 mi SW of Atglen to 1.38 mi E of Glen Rose
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.940, -75.980

A band of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flash flooding of smaller streams and poor drainage areas in the western part of Chester County during the afternoon and early evening of the 7th. This initiated the flooding in the Brandywine Creek Basin.

Flash Flood, Berks

When
September 7, 3:55 PM EST to 6:45 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 1.55 mi E of Earlville to 1.48 mi W of Monterey
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
40.323, -75.701

Another band of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flash flooding of smaller streams and poor drainage areas in the eastern half of Berks County during the late afternoon and evening of the 7th. Water rescues were performed in Cumru, Exeter (U.S. Route 422) and Oley Townships. Road closures occurred in Exeter, Ontelaunee, Cumru, Richmond and Greenwich Townships. In Reading, flash flooding was reported along Pennsylvania State Route 12. In Birdsboro, West Main Street was closed after the Hay Creek started to flood. Flooding along the Manatawny Creek was reported in Oley Township. The sewage system in Kutztown was getting overwhelmed.

Flood, Chester

When
September 7, 4:05 PM EST to September 10, 12:41 AM EST
Where
Chester County, 3.83 mi SW of Glen Roy to 0.53 mi SE of Strickersville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.730, -76.100

Just after the flooding from the first round of heavier rain ended, the flooding and flash flooding associated with the second round of heavier rain began in Chester County. Flooding along the East Branch of the White Clay Creek in Avondale Borough forced the evacuation of 40 residents. Flooding along the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek and U.S. Route 30 divided Downingtown Borough in half. In North Coventry Township, River Road along the Schuylkill River was flooded and closed. One vehicle became stuck in the flood waters.

The Schuylkill River at Pottstown (Montgomery County) had moderate flooding, its 6th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. The river was above its 12.5 foot flood stage from 505 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 141 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 18.27 feet at 630 a.m. EDT on the 9th. The West Branch Brandywine Creek at Honey Brook had moderate flooding and its 7th highest crest on record. It was above its 7 foot flood stage from 528 p.m. EDT through 1156 p.m. EDT on the 7th. It crested at 10.36 feet at 700 p.m. EDT.|Farther downstream, the West Branch Brandywine at Coatesville was above its 7 foot flood stage from 1102 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 142 a.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 7.34 feet at 1200 a.m. EDT on the 8th. The East Branch Brandywine at Downingtown had major flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 537 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 225 a.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 11.70 feet at 930 p.m. EDT on the 7th. The main stem of the Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford had moderate flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 1110 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 326 p.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 11.70 feet at 615 a.m. EDT on the 8th. The French Creek at Phoenixville was again above its 8 foot flood stage from 520 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 515 a.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 9.83 feet at 8 p.m. EDT on the 7th.

Entire event rainfall totals included 7.07 inches in West Chester, 6.81 inches in Avondale, 6.74 inches in Spring City, 6.68 inches in Unionville, 6.19 inches in Modena and 6.17 inches in Downingtown.

Flash Flood, Chester

When
September 7, 4:20 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where
Chester County, Phoenixville to 0.99 mi NW of Rocky Hill
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.130, -75.520

A second band of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flash flooding of smaller streams and poor drainage areas in the eastern part of Chester County during the late afternoon and early evening of the 7th. This also helped initiate and exacerbate the flooding in the Brandywine Creek Basin as well as along the Schuylkill River.

Flood, Berks

When
September 7, 4:45 PM EST to September 10, 6:08 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 2.96 mi NNE of Shartlesville to 7.67 mi WNW of Frystown
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.560, -76.100

The second round of widespread heavier rain started flash flooding and flooding again across Berks County. In Reading, an evacuation alert was issued for businesses along the Schuylkill River. The boat launch on the Blue Marsh Lake was closed because of rising lake levels.

The Schuylkill River at Berne had moderate flooding, its 4th highest crest on record and its highest crest since June of 2006. The river was above its 12 foot flood stage from 9 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 536 a.m. EDT on the 9th. It crested at 15.45 feet at 1230 p.m. EDT on the 8th. Farther downstream, the Schuylkill River at Reading had moderate flooding, its third highest crest on record and greatest crest since June 28, 2006. The river was above its 15.5 foot flood stage from 755 a.m. EDT on the 8th through 947 a.m. EDT on the 9th. It crested at 20.40 feet at 630 p.m. EDT on the 8th. The Manatawny Creek at Spangsville had moderate flooding and its highest crest since October 8, 2005. It was above its 6 foot flood stage from 545 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 313 a.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 7.55 feet at 945 p.m. EDT on the 7th. The Tulpehocken Creek at Blue Marsh Lake was above its 307 foot flood level from 102 p.m. EDT on the 8th through 708 p.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 309.38 feet at 1 a.m. EDT on the 9th.

Entire event rainfall totals included 11.69 inches in Bernsville, 11.43 inches in Bethel, 9.37 inches at the Blue Marsh Dam, 8.60 inches in Hamburg, 8.37 inches in Reading, 7.81 inches at the Reading Airport and 7.58 inches in Bechtelsville and Wyomissing.

Coastal Flood, Delaware

When
September 7, 5:00 PM EST to September 9, 10:00 PM EST
Where
Delaware forecast zone
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.917, -75.399 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Coastal Flood, Philadelphia

When
September 7, 6:00 PM EST to September 9, 11:00 PM EST
Where
Philadelphia forecast zone
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.008, -75.134 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Coastal Flood, Bucks

When
September 7, 7:00 PM EST to September 10, 1:00 AM EST
Where
Bucks forecast zone
Reported by
River/Stream Gage

Flood, Bucks

When
September 7, 7:20 PM EST to September 10, 4:40 AM EST
Where
Bucks County, 1.05 mi E of Geryville to 0.69 mi WSW of Trevose
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.420, -75.460

Just as the flooding from the first round of the heavier rain ended, the second round of heavier rain caused additional poor drainage flooding as well as flash flooding and flooding of creeks. This time the Delaware River flooded. Along the Delaware River, residents from fifteen homes in the River Mawr section of Yardley were evacuated. There were evacuations in Upper Makefield Township and a limited state of emergency was declared in New Hope. The New Hope-Lambertville Bridge was closed crossing the Delaware River.

The Delaware River at Reigelsville had moderate flooding, its 8th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. It was above its 22 foot flood stage from 820 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 540 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 28.06 feet at 515 a.m. EDT on the 9th. Farther downstream, the Delaware River at Frenchtown (Hunterdon County) had moderate flooding, its 8th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. It was above its 16 foot flood stage from 216 a.m. EDT on the 8th through 200 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 19.02 feet at 545 a.m. EDT on the 9th. Farther downstream, the Delaware River at Stockton (Hunterdon County) had moderate flooding, its 10th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. It was above its 18 foot flood stage from 240 a.m. EDT on the 8th through 337 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 21.76 feet at 645 a.m. EDT on the 8th. Farther downstream, the Delaware River at New Hope had major flooding, its 11th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. It was above its 13 foot flood stage from 358 a.m. EDT on the 8th through 1215 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 16.14 feet at 700 a.m. EDT on the 8th. Farther downstream, the Delaware River at Washington's Crossing had moderate flooding, its 8th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. It was above its 16 foot flood stage from 358 a.m. EDT on the 8th through 306 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 20.04 feet at 745 a.m. EDT on the 8th. Farther downstream, the Delaware River at Trenton (Mercer County) had moderate flooding, its 10th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. It was above its 20 foot flood stage from 417 a.m. EDT on the 8th through 537 a.m. EDT on the 10th. It crested at 23.11 feet at 915 a.m. EDT on the 8th.| |The East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Dublin had moderate flooding and was above its 5 foot flood stage from 313 a.m. EDT through 610 a.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 7.67 feet at 430 a.m. EDT. The Little Neshaminy Creek at Neshaminy had its second highest crest on record and highest crest since June 16, 2001. The creek was above its 8 foot flood stage from 313 a.m. EDT through 1047 a.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 12.95 feet at 645 a.m. EDT on the 8th. The Neshaminy Creek at Langhorne had major flooding and its 5th highest crest on record. It was above its 9 foot flood stage from 353 a.m. EDT through 1043 p.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 18.09 feet at 245 p.m. EDT.| |Entire event rainfall totals included 8.51 inches in Perkasie, 7.34 inches at the Doylestown Airport, 7.28 inches in Washington Crossing, 7.25 inches in Doylestown, 6.89 inches in Newtown, 6.21 inches in Sellersville, 6.17 inches in Penndel and 6.00 inches in Neshaminy Falls.

Flood, Delaware

When
September 7, 10:10 PM EST to September 8, 2:26 PM EST
Where
Delaware County, 2.12 mi W of Chadds Ford to 3.16 mi WNW of Chadds Ford
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.870, -75.610

The second round of heavier rain that started on the 7th in Chester County caused additional flooding along the Brandywine Creek. The Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford had moderate flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 1110 p.m. EDT on the 7th through 326 p.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 11.70 feet at 615 a.m. EDT on the 8th. Entire event rainfall totals included 6.35 inches at the Philadelphia International Airport and 4.65 inches in Nether Providence Township.

Flood, Monroe

When
September 8, 12:51 AM EST to September 9, 6:52 PM EST
Where
Monroe County, 4 mi W of Minisink Hills to 4.69 mi SE of Deleware Water Gap
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
41.000, -75.207

The Delaware River at Tocks Island had moderate flooding, its 6th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 28, 2006. It was above its 21 foot flood stage from 151 a.m. EDT on the 8th through 752 p.m. EDT on the 9th. It crested at 24.95 feet at 2 a.m. EDT on the 9th. The Bush Kill at Shoemakers was above its 6 foot flood stage from 606 a.m. EDT through 845 a.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 6.16 feet at 630 a.m. EDT. The Brodhead Creek at Minisink Hills had moderate flooding, its 5th highest crest on record and highest crest since June 29, 2006. It was above its 10 foot flood stage from 545 a.m. EDT on the 8th through 356 p.m. EDT on the 9th. It crested at 12.46 feet at 1 a.m. EDT on the 9th.

Entire event rainfall totals included 6.02 inches in Blakeslee, 5.63 inches in Brodheadsville, 4.75 inches at the Mount Pocono Airport, 4.57 inches in Coolbaugh and 4.23 inches in Kresgeville.

Flash Flood, Delaware

When
September 8, 1:00 AM EST to 4:00 AM EST
Where
Delaware County, 0.32 mi SSW of Ardmore to 0.44 mi WSW of Ardmore
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
39.996, -75.302

Heavy downpours caused flash flooding along a tributary of Cobbs Creek in Haverford Township. A state of emergency was declared in the township. Vehicles were stranded and schools were closed on the 8th. A shelter was opened at the Linwood Elementary School.

Flash Flood, Philadelphia

When
September 8, 1:03 AM EST to 7:30 AM EST
Where
Philadelphia County, (Phl)philadelphia in to 1.06 mi WSW of Tacony
Cause
Heavy Rain
Deaths
1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.880, -75.250

A band of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flash flooding of smaller streams as well as poor drainage flooding in Philadelphia. It also caused the drowning death of a 27-year-old woman who was caught in flood waters in the East Germantown section of the city. She was discovered in the rear of her Sports Utility Vehicle at the intersection of Musgrave and Haines Streets on the morning of the 8th. The Wingohocking Creek, which is a creek that was buried underground during the 19th century had its waters back out of sewer grates and manhole covers in that section of the city. Godfrey Avenue and Wister Street also flooded in East Germantown. The wall of a church also collapsed. Most gaged creeks within Philadelphia flooded as well as the Schuylkill River.

Flood, Philadelphia

When
September 8, 1:03 AM EST to 7:18 PM EST
Where
Philadelphia County, 1.48 mi SSE of Torresdale to 2.33 mi SE of (Phl)philadelphia in
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.030, -74.990

The second round of heavier rain that started overnight on the 7th produced additional widespread poor drainage, creek and river flash flooding and flooding in Philadelphia that persisted into the evening of the 8th. Major flooding occurred along most of the smaller creeks within the city. Along the Schuylkill River, Main Street in Manayunk was flooded as was Kelly Drive. Kelly Drive was not re-opened until the 11th. Along the Wissahickon Creek, Lincoln Drive was closed.| |The Schuylkill River in Philadelphia was above its 11 foot flood stage from 203 a.m. EDT through 818 p.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 12.53 feet at 5 a.m. EDT. The Wissahickon Creek at its mouth with the Schuylkill River had major flooding, its second highest crest on record and its highest crest since Hurricane Floyd on September 16, 1999. It was above its 5 foot flood stage from 226 a.m. EDT through 626 p.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 10.89 feet at 10 a.m. EDT. The Pennypack Creek at the Rhawn Street Bridge had major flooding, its fourth highest crest on record and its highest crest since Hurricane Floyd on September 16, 1999. It was above its 7 foot flood stage from 352 a.m. EDT through 220 p.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at13.04 feet at 915 a.m. EDT on the 8th. |The Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue had major flooding and its 5th highest crest on record. It was above its 7 foot flood stage from 237 a.m. EDT through 804 a.m. EDT on the 8th. It crested at 11.39 feet at 415 a.m. EDT.|Entire event rainfall totals included 7.34 inches in Center City Philadelphia, 6.35 inches at the Philadelphia International Airport and 4.63 inches at the Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

Flash Flood, Montgomery

When
September 8, 1:50 AM EST to 7:30 AM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 0.87 mi SE of Ardmore to 0.53 mi S of West Manayunk
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.990, -75.290

A band of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flash flooding of smaller streams and poor drainage areas in the southern part of Montgomery County. Flooding occurred along the Wissahickon Creek and continued along the Schuylkill River. In Whitpain Township, along the Wissahickon Creek, 40 residents were evacuated on West Maple Street. Two buildings collapsed in Ambler Borough.

Flash Flood, Bucks

When
September 8, 2:13 AM EST to 7:30 AM EST
Where
Bucks County, 2.64 mi W of Neshaminy to 1.48 mi S of Stanwood
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.230, -75.180

A band of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flash flooding of smaller streams as well as poor drainage flooding in lower Bucks County. Flooding occurred in the Neshaminy Basin and the heavy rain helped exacerbate the ongoing or starting of flooding along the Delaware River. Along the Neshaminy Creek, in Langhorne, creek flooding reached the Bridgetown Mill House.

Flood, Lehigh

When
September 8, 2:17 PM EST to September 9, 12:02 AM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 2.08 mi N of Slatington to 1.76 mi NNE of Laurys
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.780, -75.600

Runoff from the next round of heavy rain overnight on the 7th caused additional poor drainage and Lehigh River flooding. The Lehigh River at Walnutport (Northampton County) was above its 8 foot flood stage from 317 p.m. EDT on the 8th through 102 a.m. EDT on the 9th. It crested at 8.8 feet at 9 p.m. EDT on the 8th. Entire event rainfall totals included 7.07 inches at the Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, 6.54 inches in Allentown and 6.02 inches in Schnecksville.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

EventDateAgeSexWhereKind
Flash Flood, Philadelphia2011-09-0827FemaleIn WaterDirect

What these are

Flash Flood
Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Flood
Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Coastal Flood
Flooding of coastal land by the sea, from storm surge, onshore wind or high tides.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2011Every state in 2011This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, September 2011

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 349570, 349565, 349567, 350542, 350439, 350441, 350540, 350538, 350519, 351695, 350536, 350520, 350535, 350416, 349580, 349586, 349581, 350507, 349587, 350527, 349717, 349715, 349718, 350539, 350541, 350415, 351696, 349590, 350543, 349589, 349592, 350537.