Flooding in Pennsylvania, April 30, 2014

Name: Flooding in Pennsylvania, April 30, 2014
Start: 2014-04-30T11:58
End: 2014-04-30T23:59
Location: Pennsylvania

April 30, 2014 · NWS PHI · 8 events in 8 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. 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: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $4.5 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 8

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.

A slow moving low pressure system and a deep southerly flow from the Gulf of Mexico and then the Atlantic Ocean dropped heavy rain across Eastern Pennsylvania centered on the 30th. Event precipitation totals averaged from 3 to 6 inches, with the highest amounts in the Philadelphia suburbs. This caused poor drainage and creek and river flooding that reached major levels around the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Over 1,000 people had to be evacuated from flooded homes and apartments. The American Red Cross opened several shelters and comfort stations in Delaware and Chester Counties. Numerous water rescues and road closures occurred. the evening commute on the 30th and the morning commute on May 1st were greatly impacted. Regional commuter rail lines in and around Philadelphia had major delays. The Schuylkill River had its highest crest since Tropical Storm Floyd in September of 1999. Other creeks and rivers had their highest crest since Tropical Storm Irene in August of 2011. The steady rain began around noon EDT on the 29th. The rain fell at a fairly steady light to moderate pace until the 30th. Then, the rain fell heavy at times from the morning into the evening of the 30th. Rainfall amounts of around 2 inches fell in the six hour period from 2 p.m. EDT through 8 p.m. EDT on the 30th in the local Philadelphia area. The rain ended from south to north between Midnight EDT and 6 a.m. EDT on May 1st. | |The heavy rain was caused by the combination of a strong high pressure system that built over the Canadian Maritimes that initiated the onshore flow and a strong, but slow moving low pressure system. The low pressure system was located in northwest Missouri on the morning of the 29th. It moved northeast to near Chicago during the afternoon of the 29th. The low pressure system then became nearly stationary in southern Wisconsin as its cold front reached Ohio early on the 30th. Then a new low pressure system developed on the frontal boundary and was over Eastern Tennessee on the morning of the 30th. The low pressure system reached West Virginia during the late afternoon on the 30th as its warm front started to move through Delmarva. The low pressure system reached north central Maryland at 11 p.m. EDT on the 30th as its warm front reached extreme southeast Pennsylvania and central New Jersey. The low pressure system reached the Allentown, Pennsylvania area at 5 a.m. EDT on May 1st and then was absorbed again into the frontal boundary associated with the original low as it moved into New York State that morning. The steady rain ended as the low pressure system passed north of Pennsylvania.

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 Apr 30, 11:20 AM EST, 38 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 30, 11:20 AM EST, 38 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
1220 PM EDT WED APR 30 2014

.SYNOPSIS...
A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MEANDER NEAR THE GREAT LAKES REGION TODAY
INTO THURSDAY. A WARM FRONT WILL THEREFORE GRADUALLY LIFT NORTHWARD
ACROSS THE MID ATLANTIC STATES TODAY AND TONIGHT. A COLD FRONT IS
THEN FORECAST TO SLIDE ACROSS OUR AREA THURSDAY. AN AREA OF HIGH
PRESSURE BUILDS TO OUR SOUTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, HOWEVER ANOTHER
COLD FRONT MOVES THROUGH OUR REGION SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY. HIGH
PRESSURE GRADUALLY BUILDS IN FOR MONDAY AND TUESDAY.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
WILL MAINTAIN THE PERSISTENCE FCST AS THE RADAR IS FILLED WITH
GENLY LIGHT TO MDT RAIN ECHOES ATTM. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW
LIGHTNING STRIKES ACRS THE DELMARVA, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN
WIDESPREAD OR PERSISTENT. WHILE THE CALENDAR IS ABOUT TO TURN TO
MAY, IT FEELS MORE LIKE EARLY MARCH, WITH JUST ANOTHER DREARY DAY
IN STORE. EXPECT PERIODS OF RAIN, PSBLY TO BECOME MORE SHOWERY
LATER TODAY.  A WARM FRONT WILL SLOWLY WORK ITS WAY N DURG THE DAY.

EVEN IN THE WARM SECTOR HOWEVER, EXPECT THE LOW LEVEL INVERSION TO
PERSIST. THEREFORE, ANY THUNDERSTORMS WILL HAVE TO RELY ON ELEVATED
INSTABILITY WITH PARCELS LIFTED FROM AROUND THE 900 TO 800 MB
LEVELS. EVEN WITH THAT, CAPE VALUES WILL BE MODEST AT
BEST...GENERALLY LESS THAN 200 J/KG. IF ANY STORMS DEVELOP HOWEVER,
THERE IS A SMALL CONCERN THAT WEAK DOWN DRAFTS COULD MIX THE 40KT+
WINDS FROM THE LOW LEVELS DOWN TO THE SURFACE, BUT THIS IS STILL
QUITE UNCERTAIN.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH 6 AM THURSDAY/...
THROUGH THIS PERIOD, WE WILL SEE THE ARRIVAL OF THE DRY SLOT IN OUR
REGION. HOWEVER, GIVEN THE CONTINUED MOIST SOUTHERLY SURFACE FLOW,
STILL EXPECT AT LEAST LIGHT RAIN TO CONTINUE THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT
HOURS. MODEL SOUNDINGS ALSO CONTINUE TO SHOW SOME ELEVATED
INSTABILITY, PRIMARILY IN DELMARVA, THOUGH THE CHANCES FOR
THUNDERSTORMS SHOULD BE ON THE DECREASE AFTER MIDNIGHT AS THE AXIS
OF HIGHEST PWAT VALUES SLIDES OFF SHORE. WITH THE PERSISTENT LOW
LEVEL CLOUD COVER, AND SOUTHERLY FLOW, EXPECT TEMPERATURES TONIGHT
TO ONLY BE A FEW DEGREES BELOW THE HIGHS TODAY.

&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
THE OVERALL SYNOPTIC SETUP INITIALLY REVOLVES AROUND A LARGE CLOSED
LOW. THIS FEATURE IS FORECAST TO SLOWLY WEAKEN AS IT LIFTS ACROSS
THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND INTO CANADA THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. THIS
WILL DRIVE A COLD FRONT ACROSS OUR REGION, HOWEVER ENERGY HANGING
BACK LOOKS TO MAINTAIN AN UPPER-LEVEL TROUGH ACROSS THE PLAINS TO
THE GREAT LAKES WHICH THEN SHIFTS EASTWARD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. THIS
MAY AMPLIFY ONCE AGAIN SUNDAY OR EARLY NEXT WEEK IN THE EAST AS
RIDGING BUILDS ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND NORTHERN PLAINS. THE MOST
ORGANIZED PRECIPITATION LOOKS TO BE FEATURED ON THURSDAY AS A COLD
FRONT SHIFTS EASTWARD. WE USED A GENERAL MODEL BLEND THURSDAY
THROUGH SATURDAY, THEN UTILIZED THE 00Z WPC GUIDANCE WITH CONTINUITY
OVERALL.

FOR THURSDAY...A COLD FRONT WILL BE MOVING ACROSS THE REGION. AS
THIS OCCURS, THE LOW-LEVEL JET IS FORECAST TO BE SHIFTING OFFSHORE
EARLY IN THE MORNING. WHILE THIS WILL TEND TO LESSEN THE FORCING AND
DEEPER MOISTURE ADVECTION, ENOUGH FORCING ALONG WITH SOME
INSTABILITY AHEAD OF THE FRONT SHOULD RESULT IN A BAND OF SHOWERS
AND SOME THUNDER. THE POPS WERE THEREFORE INCREASED FOR A TIME
BEFORE DECREASING QUITE A BIT FROM ABOUT MIDDAY ON. IT APPEARS
THAT FROM ABOUT INTERSTATE 95 ON EASTWARD HAS THE GREATEST CHC FOR
SHOWERS AND SOME THUNDER GIVEN THE EASTWARD SHIFTING DEEPER MOISTURE
AND FRONTAL ZONE TIMING. THE INSTABILITY SHOULD BE HELD DOWN DUE TO
ONGOING ACTIVITY TO START, HOWEVER A WARMER AND MOIST AIRMASS WILL
BE IN PLACE. AS OF NOW, ANY SEVERE THUNDERSTORM THREAT LOOKS TO BE
RATHER LOW. GIVEN THE ANTICIPATED RUNOFF AND SHOWERS HANGING ON,
THE FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES THROUGH THE MORNING. A LAG THOUGH IN
THE TRUE CAA POST-FRONTAL WILL ALLOW FOR A WARM DAY ACROSS THE
ENTIRE AREA. OTHERWISE, THE WINDS WILL SHIFT TO THE WEST-NORTHWEST
ESPECIALLY LATER IN THE DAY AS THE COLD FRONT WORKS ITS WAY
EASTWARD. THE CLOUDS WILL ALSO START TO ERODE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT
FROM WEST TO EAST AS DRYING ARRIVES.

FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY...OUR WEATHER WILL STILL BE INFLUENCED BY
THE WEAKENING UPPER-LEVEL LOW AS IT TRACKS UP ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN
CANADA. THERE IS ADDITIONAL SHORT WAVE ENERGY TRACKING NORTHEASTWARD
WITHIN THE SOUTHWESTERLY FLOW ALOFT, AND WITH STEEPER LAPSE RATES
AND ENOUGH MOISTURE AND HEATING SOME SHOWERS MAY RESULT ESPECIALLY
EACH AFTERNOON. IT APPEARS THE BEST CHC IS ACROSS THE NORTHWEST
ZONES, ALTHOUGH THIS MAY SPREAD FARTHER SOUTHEASTWARD SOMEWHAT
SATURDAY AS A COLD FRONT ARRIVES LATE IN THE DAY. THE OVERALL
MOISTURE AND FORCING WITH THIS COLD FRONT LOOKS TO BE WEAK,
THEREFORE WE ARE NOT ANTICIPATING MUCH IN THE WAY OF QPF.

FOR SUNDAY...A COLD FRONT LOOKS TO BE CROSSING THE AREA MAINLY
DURING THE MORNING, ALTHOUGH THIS BOUNDARY MAY THEN STALL TO OUR
SOUTH. AS MENTIONED ABOVE, THIS FRONT LOOKS TO LACK DEEP MOISTURE
AND LIFT THEREFORE NOT EXPECTING MUCH WITH IT. THE FLOW IS GENERALLY
WESTERLY WITH THE AIRMASS MODERATING SOME ESPECIALLY FROM THE
SOUTHERN ZONES ON SOUTHWARD. DUE TO SOME ADDED DOWNSLOPING, THE
COASTAL PLAIN ESPECIALLY MAY END UP BEING WARMER.

FOR MONDAY AND TUESDAY...A STALLED FRONTAL BOUNDARY LOOKS TO BE
POSITIONED WELL TO OUR SOUTH. AS AN UPPER-LEVEL TROUGH AMPLIFIES
ACROSS THE NORTHEAST, SURFACE HIGH PRESSURE BEGINS TO BUILD IN FROM
THE GREAT LAKES MONDAY. THIS SURFACE HIGH SHOULD THEN SLIDE ACROSS
OUR AREA TUESDAY. A DRY FORECAST OVERALL ATTM.

&&

.AVIATION /16Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS FOR KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG, KILG,
KMIV, KACY AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

12Z TAF UPDATE...INCREASING CONFIDENCE IN A LOW LEVEL JET
DEVELOPING BY MID DAY. WITH DIRECTIONAL AND SPEED SHEAR EXPECTED,
HAVE ADDED MENTION OF LLWS TO ALL TAFS FROM MID DAY UNTIL LATE
TONIGHT WHEN THE JET MOVES OFF SHORE. STILL NOT ENOUGH CONFIDENCE
IN TIMING OR COVERAGE OF THUNDERSTORMS TO INCLUDE MENTION IN THE
TAFS FOR NOW.

PREVIOUS AVIATION DISCUSSION....WIDESPREAD IFR CEILINGS ARE
EXPECTED FOR MUCH OF THE DAY. EXPECT SOME BREAKS IN THE SHRA,
ESPECIALLY THIS MORNING, BUT BY 18Z, EXPECT LOWERING CEILINGS AND
MORE WIDESPREAD SHRA. THERE REMAINS A SMALL RISK FOR TSRA FOR
TERMINALS NEAR AND SOUTH OF KPHL THROUGH THE DAY, AND ALL
TERMINALS AFTER 00Z. HOWEVER, COVERAGE IS EXPECTED TO BE VERY
LIMITED, SO HAVE NOT MENTIONED IN THE TAFS AT THIS TIME.

WINDS WILL BE BREEZY FOR MUCH OF THE TAF PERIOD. SLOWLY SHIFTING
FROM EASTERLY TO SOUTHEASTERLY THROUGH THE DAY.

DRIER AIR SHOULD BEGIN TO MOVE INTO THE REGION AFTER 06Z, SO EXPECT
SLOW IMPROVEMENT LATE TONIGHT.

OUTLOOK...
THURSDAY...IFR/MVFR IMPROVING TO VFR DURING THE AFTERNOON. SHOWERS
WILL CONTINUE, HOWEVER THEY SHOULD BECOME MORE SCATTERED AND A
THUNDERSTORM CANNOT BE RULED OUT. SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS,
BECOMING WEST-NORTHWEST AT NIGHT AND DIMINISHING SOME.

FRIDAY...OVERALL VFR. A FEW SHOWERS ARE POSSIBLE IN THE AFTERNOON
FROM NEAR KABE TO THE NORTH AND WEST. WEST-SOUTHWEST WINDS GENERALLY
10 TO 15 KNOTS.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY...OVERALL VFR. SOME SHOWERS ARE POSSIBLE MAINLY
SATURDAY ESPECIALLY NORTH AND WEST OF KPHL AS A COLD FRONT MOVES
THROUGH.

&&

.MARINE...
HAVE OPTED TO EXTEND THE GALE WARNING ON THE NRN WATERS THROUGH
NOON. THINGS MAY COME DOWN A BIT SOONER, BUT HAVE BEEN SLOW TO DO
SO THIS MORNING.

PREVIOUS MARINE DISCUSSION...GALE GUSTS CONTINUE, SO HAVE KEPT THE
GALE WARNING GOING THROUGH 5 AM EDT. AFTER THAT, SCA CONDITIONS
FOR BOTH WINDS AND SEAS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE ALL DAY TODAY AND
OVERNIGHT TONIGHT. ISOLATED GUSTS ABOVE 30KT WILL AGAIN BE
POSSIBLE THIS EVENING.

OUTLOOK...
THURSDAY..GUSTY SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT TO START
SHOULD DIMINISH SOME THROUGH THE DAY, THEN SHIFT TO THE WEST AND
NORTHWEST AT NIGHT. THE SEAS ON THE OCEAN ARE FORECAST TO BE AT OR
ABOVE 5 FEET, THEREFORE SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY CONDITIONS ARE
ANTICIPATED. THE SEAS MAY DROP BELOW 5 FEET THOUGH LATER AT NIGHT.

FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY...THE CONDITIONS ARE ANTICIPATED TO BE BELOW
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY CRITERIA. A COLD FRONT MOVING THROUGH LATE
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY LOOKS TO BE ON THE WEAKER SIDE, WITH MOSTLY A
WIND SHIFT.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
SO FAR, RAIN HAS BEEN LIGHT AND/OR INTERMITTENT ENOUGH THAT WE
HAVEN'T SEEN ANY FLOODING ISSUES OR SIGNIFICANT RISES ON SMALL
STREAMS. HOWEVER, THE HEAVIEST RAIN IS EXPECTED THROUGH THE DAY
TODAY INTO THIS EVENING, SO THE FLOODING THREAT REMAINS. THE BIGGEST
CHANGE WITH THE PREVIOUS FORECAST IS THAT THE AXIS OF HIGHEST QPF
AND HEAVIEST RAINS LOOKS TO STAY WELL WEST OF THE I-95 CORRIDOR. AND
WITH THIS SHIFT FURTHER WEST, DAY 1 QPF FOR OUR REGION IS NOW
EXPECTED TO BE IN THE 1 TO 3 INCH RANGE. HOWEVER, AS HAS BEEN
MENTIONED BY PREVIOUS SHIFTS, THERE IS QUITE A BIT OF UNCERTAINTY AS
TO WHERE THE HEAVIEST RAIN WILL SET UP.

MUCH HIGHER THAN NORMAL PWAT VALUES, MOIST LOW LEVEL JET, AND A DEEP
WARM CLOUD LAYER WILL ALL BE IN PLACE LATER TODAY AS THE WARM FRONT
MOVES INTO OUR REGION. THUS, HAVE CONTINUED WITH THE FLOOD WATCH
GENERALLY FOR LOCATIONS ALONG AND WEST OF THE I-95 CORRIDOR.

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING FLOOD POTENTIAL ALONG SPECIFIC
STREAMS AND RIVERS, PLEASE REFERENCE THE AHPS WEBSITE.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
WILL ISSUE A CF ADVISORY FOR DEL BAY AS LEVELS WILL BE CLOSE OR
SLIGHTLY OVER WITH THE AFTN HIGH TIDE.

PREVIOUS DISCUSSION...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORIES REMAIN IN EFFECT
FOR THE TIDAL DELAWARE RIVER AND THE CHESAPEAKE BAY.

FOR THE MOST PART THE HIGH TIDE CYCLE THAT JUST HAPPENED SHOULD BE
THE HIGHEST TIDES WE WILL SEE THROUGH THIS STORM SYSTEM. THE
EXCEPTION TO THIS IS THE CHESAPEAKE BAY, WHICH MAY SEE COASTAL
FLOODING FOR THE NEXT 3 HIGH TIDE CYCLES, THANKS TO FLOW TURNING
MORE SOUTHERLY THROUGH THE DAY TODAY.

FOR THE ATLANTIC COASTAL, DELAWARE BAY, AND TIDAL DELAWARE RIVER
LOCATIONS, ADDITIONAL COASTAL FLOODING IS UNLIKELY, BUT FRESH WATER
RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAIN TODAY COULD INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR MINOR
TIDAL FLOODING ESPECIALLY ALONG THE DELAWARE RIVER.

&&

.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING FOR PAZ054-055-060>062-
     070-071-101>106.
     COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR
     PAZ070-071-106.
NJ...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING FOR NJZ001-007>010-012-
     013-015>019.
     COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR
     NJZ015>019.
DE...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING FOR DEZ001.
     COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR
     DEZ001.
MD...FLOOD WATCH THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING FOR MDZ008-012.
     COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR MDZ008-
     012-015-019-020.
MARINE...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UNTIL 2 AM EDT THURSDAY FOR ANZ430-431-
     452>455.
     GALE WARNING UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR ANZ450-451.

&&

SYNOPSIS...GORSE
NEAR TERM...JOHNSON/NIERENBERG
SHORT TERM...JOHNSON
LONG TERM...GORSE
AVIATION...GORSE/JOHNSON/NIERENBERG
MARINE...GORSE/JOHNSON/NIERENBERG
HYDROLOGY...
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 30, 10:40 AM EST, 1 hour 18 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
1140 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015-PAZ054-055-061-062-105-011545-
SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX-WESTERN MONMOUTH-
MERCER-CARBON-MONROE-LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON-UPPER BUCKS-
1140 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL NEW JERSEY...NORTHERN
NEW JERSEY...NORTHWEST 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...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

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.

DEZ001-NJZ016>019-PAZ060-070-071-101>104-106-011545-
NEW CASTLE-SALEM-GLOUCESTER-CAMDEN-NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON-BERKS-
DELAWARE-PHILADELPHIA-WESTERN CHESTER-EASTERN CHESTER-
WESTERN MONTGOMERY-EASTERN MONTGOMERY-LOWER BUCKS-
1140 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

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

SOME STRONG THUNDERSTORMS TODAY COULD LOCALLY PRODUCE WIND GUSTS TO
45 MPH, ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

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.

MDZ015-019-020-011545-
QUEEN ANNES-TALBOT-CAROLINE-
1140 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHEAST MARYLAND.

.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.

   COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY.

SOME STRONG THUNDERSTORMS TODAY COULD LOCALLY PRODUCE WIND GUSTS TO
45 MPH, ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING.

SOME HEAVY RAIN AT TIMES TODAY AND TONIGHT MAY LEAD TO LOCAL POOR
DRAINAGE FLOODING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

MDZ008-012-011545-
CECIL-KENT MD-
1140 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHEAST MARYLAND.

.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.
   COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY.

SOME STRONG THUNDERSTORMS TODAY COULD LOCALLY PRODUCE WIND GUSTS TO
45 MPH, ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

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>004-NJZ014-020>027-011545-
KENT-INLAND SUSSEX-DELAWARE BEACHES-EASTERN MONMOUTH-OCEAN-
CUMBERLAND-ATLANTIC-CAPE MAY-ATLANTIC COASTAL CAPE MAY-
COASTAL ATLANTIC-COASTAL OCEAN-SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON-
1140 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

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

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

SOME HEAVY RAIN AT TIMES TODAY AND TONIGHT MAY LEAD TO LOCAL POOR
DRAINAGE FLOODING.

SOME STRONG THUNDERSTORMS TODAY COULD LOCALLY PRODUCE WIND GUSTS TO
45 MPH, ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

ANZ450-451-011545-
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-
1140 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...

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.

   GALE WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

ANZ430-431-452>455-011545-
DELAWARE BAY WATERS NORTH OF EAST POINT NJ TO SLAUGHTER BEACH DE-
DELAWARE BAY WATERS SOUTH OF EAST POINT NJ TO SLAUGHTER BEACH DE-
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-
1140 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR ATLANTIC COASTAL WATERS AND
DELAWARE BAY WATERS.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

SOME STRONG THUNDERSTORMS TODAY COULD LOCALLY PRODUCE WIND GUSTS TO
AROUND 35 KNOTS, ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 30, 7:59 AM EST, 3 hours 59 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
859 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

DEZ001-MDZ008-012-PAZ101-102-301400-
CECIL MD-EASTERN CHESTER PA-KENT MD-NEW CASTLE DE-WESTERN CHESTER PA-
859 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014

...A THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT CECIL...SOUTHWESTERN CHESTER...WEST
CENTRAL NEW CASTLE AND WESTERN KENT COUNTIES...

AT 854 AM EDT...A THUNDERSTORM WAS 7 MILES SOUTHEAST OF BOWLEYS
QUARTERS...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

WIND GUSTS TO 30 MPH ARE POSSIBLE WITH THIS STORM.

VERY HEAVY RAIN WILL FALL FROM THIS STORM...AND WILL CAUSE WATER TO
POND ON ROADS AND FILL POOR DRAINAGE AREAS. THE RAIN CAN CAUSE RAPID
RISES ON SMALL STREAMS AND CREEKS.

THIS STORM WILL BE NEAR NEWTOWN AROUND 910 AM...BETTERTON AROUND 920
AM...PERRYVILLE AROUND 940 AM...CALVERT AROUND 950 AM AND LOMBARD
AROUND 1000 AM.

LAT...LON 3927 7623 3930 7619 3932 7619 3943 7601
      3946 7602 3952 7599 3955 7603 3955 7609
      3957 7610 3957 7609 3956 7608 3957 7608
      3972 7623 3973 7614 3977 7607 3990 7599
      3971 7557 3913 7617 3918 7627

ROBERTSON

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

8 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flood, Chester

When: April 30, 11:58 AM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Chester County, 1.35 mi ESE of Fairville to 1.47 mi NE of Strafford
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.4 million
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 39.839, -75.609

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage and moderate to major creek and river flooding throughout Chester County. Two apartment complexes had to be evacuated. Over one hundred roadways were flooded and closed. More than sixty-five people were rescued from trapped vehicles. Three people trapped in their homes by flood waters were rescued. Flooding along the main stem of the Brandywine Creek was the worst since Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16, 1999. Other flooding was the worst since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011. | |In Avondale Borough, flooding along the East Branch of the White Clay Creek forced the evacuation of 300 residents in the Avondale Apartments on First Street late on the afternoon of the 30th. Residents were able to return on the morning of May 1st. In Modena Borough, flooding along the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek forced the evacuation of 400 residents of the Meredith Court Apartments during the early evening on the 30th. They were permitted to return on the morning of May 1st. Shelters were opened for the evacuees. In East Coventry Township, the Pigeon Creek overflowed and forced the closure of Halteman and Kolp Roads. U.S. Route 1 was closed in both directions between Pennsylvania State Route 52 (Lenape Rd.) in East Marlborough Township and U.S. Route 202 (Wilmington Pike) in Chadds Ford Township in Delaware County.

The West Branch of the Brandywine Creek at Honey Brook had moderate flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 329 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 451 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 9.08 feet at 730 p.m. EDT on the 30th. Farther downstream, the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek at Coatesville had minor flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 329 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 522 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 8.45 feet at 1200 a.m. EDT on May 1st. Farther downstream, the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek at Modena had moderate flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 349 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 408 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 10.63 feet at 545 p.m. EDT on the 30th.

The East Branch of the Brandywine Creek at Downingtown had major flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 500 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 307 a.m. EDT on May 2nd. It crested at 13.50 feet at 915 p.m. EDT on the 30th. This was historically the 5th highest crest on record for the creek and the highest crest since August 28, 2011, associated with Tropical Storm Irene.

The main stem of the Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford had major flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 505 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 1123 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 16.05 feet at 245 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 3rd highest crest on record for the creek and the highest crest since September 16, 1999, associated with Tropical Storm Floyd.

The Red Clay Creek at Kennett Square was above its 7.5 foot flood stage from 535 p.m. EDT through 1108 p.m. EDT on the 30th. It crested at 8.55 feet at 7 p.m. EDT on the 30th, the 7th highest crest on record. The White Clay Creek at Strickersville was above its 9.5 foot flood stage from 505 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 208 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.11 feet at 915 p.m. EDT on the 30th, the 5th highest crest on record and the highest since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28th. The French Creek at Phoenixville was above its 8 foot flood stage from 1258 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 147 p.m. EDT on the 1st. It crested at 9.40 feet at 345 p.m. EDT on the 30th. The Schuylkill River at Pottstown had minor flooding and was above its 12.5 foot flood stage from Midnight EDT through 131 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.90 feet at 830 a.m. EDT on May 1st.

Event precipitation totals included 6.56 inches in Spring City, 6.39 inches in East Nantmeal, 6.16 inches in Unionville, 6.15 inches in Nottingham, 5.91 inches in West Grove and 5.65 inches in Landenberg.

Flood, Delaware

When: April 30, 12:52 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Delaware County, 0.47 mi SSW of Marcus Hook to 1.32 mi SW of Chadds Ford
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 39.813, -75.423

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage and moderate to major creek flooding throughout Delaware County. States of Emergency were declared in Chester City, Darby Borough and Marple Township. Flooding along the main stem of the Brandywine Creek was the worst since Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16, 1999. Even moderate tidal flooding occurred along the Delaware River on the night of the 30th.

Flooding along Chester Creek forced the evacuation of around 60 homes and 250 residents in the Parker Manor Section of Chester City. The American Red Cross assisted with opening shelters. Farther upstream, Brookhaven Borough recommended evacuations along Chester Creek Road. At the Kerlin Street Bridge, the creek was almost completely blocked by debris. The borough opened a welcome, warming center at the Borough Hall. Darby Borough declared an emergency as the Darby Creek flooded. Road closures included McDade, Springfield, New Walnut, Pine, 9th, Chestnut, 12th, 13th and 14th streets. A shelter was opened at the Darby Borough Recreation Center. U.S. Route 1 was closed in both directions between U.S. Route 202 (Wilmington Pike) in Chadds Ford Township to Pennsylvania State Route 52 (Lenape Rd.) in East Marlborough Township, in Chester County.| |The main stem of the Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford had major flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 505 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 1123 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 16.05 feet at 245 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 3rd highest crest on record for the creek and the highest crest since September 16, 1999, associated with Tropical Storm Floyd.

The Chester Creek at Chester had moderate flooding and was above its 8 foot flood stage from 211 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 442 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 13.70 feet at 900 p.m. EDT on the 30th. The Crum Creek at Newtown Square had moderate flooding and was above its 6 foot flood stage from 152 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 200 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 9.55 feet at 815 p.m. EDT on the 30th.

Event precipitation totals included 5.56 inches in Wayne, 5.55 inches in Lansdowne, 5.52 inches in Drexel Hill and Broomall and 4.38 inches in Media.

Flood, Montgomery

When: April 30, 1:02 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Montgomery County, 0.76 mi WSW of Stowe to 0.92 mi NW of Overbrook Hills
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 40.245, -75.693

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage, creek and river flooding throughout the county. More than forty major roadways were closed. There were twenty water rescues and over one hundred stranded vehicles. Numerous roads were closed. Creek and river flooding reached major category. Flooding along the Schuylkill River was the worst since Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16,1999 and flooding along the Perkiomen Creek was the worst since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011. Hardest hit municipalities included Bridgeport, Conshohocken, Springfield and Whitemarsh.

In West Norriton Township, flooding along the Schuylkill River surrounded several apartment buildings at Rivercrest and The Lofts. All the residents were sheltered in place. In Lower Providence Township (Eagleville), along the Schuylkill River, the garages of the Riverview Landing Apartments were flooded. In Conshohocken Borough, flooding from the Schuylkill River flooded apartments and a hotel on Washington Street. Residents were asked to voluntarily evacuate. In Skippack Township, vehicles were stuck on Pennsylvania State Route 73. The Skippack Creek also flooded. For about an hour during the evening rush on the 30th in Lower Merion Township, Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) eastbound was closed due to flooding between State Route 3050 (exit 337) and U.S. Route 1 southbound (exit 339). Sections of U.S. Route 422 were also closed. SEPTA Regional rail service was suspended through May 1st on the Manayunk-Norristown line. Roadways were flooded and closed in many other townships. Townships reporting multiple roadway closures included Upper Moreland, Perkiomen, Whitemarsh, Horsham, Limerick, Norristown (U.S. Route 202) and Bridgeport.

The West Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Hillegass rose above its 5 foot flood stage from 330 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 115 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 5.23 feet at 5 p.m. EDT on the 30th. The East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Schwenksville had moderate flooding and was above its 8 foot flood stage from 415 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 453 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 11.76 feet at 1230 a.m. EDT on May 1st.

The main stem of the Perkiomen Creek at East Greenville had minor flooding and was above its 4 foot flood stage from 202 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 924 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 6.02 feet at 730 p.m. EDT on the 30th. Farther downstream, the Perkiomen Creek at Graterford had major flooding and was above its 11 foot flood stage from 319 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 906 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 16.02 feet at 1245 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 8th highest crest on record for the creek and the highest crest since August 28, 2011, associated with Tropical Storm Irene.

The Schuylkill River at Pottstown had minor flooding and was above its 12.5 foot flood stage from Midnight EDT through 131 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.90 feet at 830 a.m. EDT on May 1st. Farther downstream, the Schuylkill River at Norristown had major flooding and was above its 13 foot flood stage from 331 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 1115 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 20.83 feet at 245 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 4th highest crest on record for the river and the highest crest since September 16, 1999, associated with Tropical Storm Floyd. The Wissahickon Creek at Fort Washington had major flooding and was above its 10 foot flood stage from 413 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 205 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.54 feet at 915 p.m. EDT on the 30th.

Event precipitation totals included 6.37 inches in Collegeville, 5.83 inches in Limerick, 5.71 inches in Pottstown, 5.67 inches in Perkiomenville, 5.58 inches in Harleysville and 5.45 inches in Elkins Park.

Flood, Philadelphia

When: April 30, 1:57 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Philadelphia County, 1.96 mi E of (Phl)philadelphia in to 0.92 mi SW of Bridesburg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 39.884, -75.213

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage, moderate to major creek and river flooding in Philadelphia. Flooding along the Schuylkill River was the worst since Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16, 1999. Even moderate tidal flooding occurred on the night of the 30th. The flooding also affected regional rail lines as SEPTA service was suspended through May 1st between Manayunk and Norristown. Air travel was no better at Philadelphia International Airport as flight delays reached around two hours at the height of the storm and one third of all arriving and departing flights were cancelled on April 30th. In Manayunk, three people were rescued from the top of a SEPTA bus as Main Street was severely flooded. Residents were evacuated from an apartment complex on the river. Road closures included Martin Luther King, Kelly and Lincoln Drives.

The worst damage to city structures occurred at the Water Works facility and to the Gorgas Bridge on Forbidden Drive. About thirty residents on Venice Island Lofts suffered heavy apartment flooding and about thirty vehicles were towed. The paper factory on Venice Island was also damaged. The Manayunk Brewery suffered significant damage and was closed for several weeks as were some of its neighboring businesses. The Green Towne Montessori School was also heavily flooded. The water department responded to over 100 reports of residential basement flooding.

The Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue had moderate flooding and twice rose above its 7 foot flood stage, first from 257 p.m. EDT through 323 p.m. EDT on the 30th with a crest of 7.28 feet at 315 p.m. EDT. The Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue again rose above its flood stage from 453 p.m. EDT through 837 p.m. EDT on the 30th, with moderate flooding occurring and a higher crest of 9.50 feet at 615 p.m. EDT. The Pennypack Creek at the Rhawn Street Bridge had major flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 307 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 530 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.03 feet at Midnight EDT on May 1st. It was the 6th highest crest on record and the highest since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011. | |The Wissahickon Creek at its mouth had moderate flooding and was above its 5 foot flood stage from 405 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 837 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 8.30 feet at 1200 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was the highest crest recorded since September 8, 2011. The Schuylkill River at Philadelphia had moderate flooding and was above its 11 foot flood stage from 624 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 626 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 13.91 feet at 400 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 7th highest crest on record for the river and the highest crest since September 17, 1999 associated with Tropical Storm Floyd. | |The onshore flow that started on the 29th caused minor tidal flooding in Philadelphia with both high tide cycles on the 30th. But, the combination of the residual onshore flow and the freshwater runoff caused moderate tidal flooding with the high tide cycle early on May 1st. The high tide in Philadelphia reached 9.94 feet above mean lower low water. Moderate tidal flooding starts at 9.2 feet above mean lower low water. This was the 7th highest tide on record in Philadelphia.

Event precipitation totals included 5.45 inches in Rockledge, 4.91 inches at the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, 4.87 inches in Somerton and Philadelphia and 4.81 inches at the Philadelphia International Airport.

Flood, Berks

When: April 30, 2:04 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Berks County, 0.71 mi SW of Manatawny to 0.55 mi ESE of Greisemersville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 40.373, -75.740

Heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage and some creek flooding in Berks County. The heaviest rain fell in the eastern parts of Berks County. The Manatawny Creek at Spangsville had moderate flooding and was above its 6 foot flood stage from 304 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 736 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 7.16 feet at 8 p.m. EDT on May 1st.

Event precipitation totals included 5.69 inches in Boyertown, 4.63 inches in Washington Township, 4.33 inches in Reading, 4.27 inches in Alburtis, 4.15 inches in Mohnton, 3.96 inches in Oley, 3.87 inches in Kutztown, 3.79 inches in Wyomissing and 3.66 inches at the Reading Airport.

Flood, Bucks

When: April 30, 2:39 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Bucks County, 0.8 mi ESE of Cornwells Hgts to 0.19 mi SE of Fairless
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 40.076, -74.916

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage, moderate to major creek flooding in Bucks County. Flooding along the Neshaminy Creek was the worst since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011. Even moderate tidal flooding occurred on the night of the 30th along the Delaware River. An apartment building along the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek in Perkasie was evacuated because of flooding. Vehicles were stuck in flood waters in Bensalem Township. Townships reporting road closures due to flooding included Milford and New Britain.| |The Neshaminy Creek at Langhorne had major flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 518 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 1232 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 14.64 feet at 215 a.m. EDT on May 1st and was the highest crest since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011. The Little Neshaminy Creek at Neshaminy had minor flooding and was above its 8 foot flood stage from 507 p.m. EDT through 1147 p.m. EDT on the 30th. It crested at 9.07 feet at 900 p.m. EDT. The East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Dublin had moderate flooding and was above its 5 foot flood stage from 339 p.m. EDT through 740 p.m. EDT on the 30th. It crested at 6.82 feet at 545 p.m. EDT.

Event precipitation totals included 4.90 inches in Quakertown and Richlandtown, 4.82 inches in Warrington, 4.79 inches in Furlong, 4.57 inches in Warwick Township and 4.42 inches in Doylestown.

Flood, Northampton

When: April 30, 7:00 PM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where: Northampton County, 0.75 mi WNW of Aluta to 0.55 mi WNW of Aluta
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.775, -75.332

Heavy rain caused poor drainage flooding in Northampton County as well as flooding along the Bushkill Creek. West Douglasville Road was flooded in Nazareth and Bushkill Township because of the creek flooding on the night of the 30th. Pennsylvania State Route 378 was closed in Northampton. Event precipitation totals included 5.37 inches in Fork Township, 4.91 inches in Martins Creek, 4.62 inches in Glendon and 4.52 inches in Nazareth. and 3.98 inches in Bushkill Township.

Flood, Lehigh

When: April 30, 9:25 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Lehigh County, 0.35 mi WSW of East Penn Jct to 0.79 mi NW of East Penn Jct
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 40.598, -75.456

Heavy rain caused poor drainage as well as some creek flooding in Lehigh County. The Little Lehigh Creek near Allentown had minor flooding and was above its 6 foot flood stage from 1025 p.m. EDT on the 30th through 815 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 6.31 feet at 445 a.m. EDT on May 1st.

Event precipitation totals included 4.29 inches in Schnecksville, 4.26 inches in Ancient Oaks, 4.01 inches in Trexlertown, 3.55 inches at the Allentown Airport, 3.54 inches in Slatington and 3.50 inches in Heidelberg Township.

What these are

Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2014 Every state in 2014 This day in weather history Warnings in Pennsylvania, April 2014

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: 512909, 512910, 512890, 512911, 512887, 512912, 512886, 512885.