Pennsylvania, 2019

Flash Flooding in Pennsylvania, July 11, 2019

July 11, 2019 · NWS PHI · 27 events in 7 counties and zones

5 inches of rain to parts of southeastern Pennsylvania on the afternoon and evening of July 11. The heaviest of the rain fell in southeastern Berks County, northern Chester County and upper Montgomery County.

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
2
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
27

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.

Thunderstorms brought 2 to around 5.5 inches of rain to parts of southeastern Pennsylvania on the afternoon and evening of July 11. The heaviest of the rain fell in southeastern Berks County, northern Chester County and upper Montgomery County.

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 Jul 11, 2:31 PM EST, 4 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 11, 2:31 PM EST, 4 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
331 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

.SYNOPSIS...
A cold front will slowly move through into Friday morning. High
pressure will build in behind the front and last through Saturday. A
weak cold frontal passage is expected Saturday night or Sunday,
followed by renewed high pressure for the early part of next week.
By the middle of next week, another frontal system may approach the
region.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM FRIDAY MORNING/...
Several rounds of heavy rainfall have developed and will
continue to move across the area through the remainder of this
afternoon into this evening. A warm front has slowly drifted
north of the area this morning, however, a pre-frontal trough
has developed behind it and ahead of an approaching cold front.
Meanwhile, several short waves/vorticity impulses will move
across the area as well within the warm sector, combining with
the surface trough, leading to increasing showers and
thunderstorms. In this warm sector, very warm and humid airmass
has moved across the area. PW values of 2.0-2.25 inches have
spread across the area, priming our region for very heavy and
efficient rainfall producing storms. Rainfall amounts of 1-3
inches, with locally higher amounts of 3-5 inches will be
possible into this evening. The HREF shows 7+ inches possible,
which may be high, but even if you cut that in half, you'll get
the 3-5 inches possible. All of this will keep the Flash Flood
Watch in effect through this afternoon and this evening. The
placement of the Flash Flood Watch still looks good as the
heaviest rain will likely mostly miss the Poconos and northwest
New Jersey, and begin to dissipate as it approaches the coast.
However, in between where the watch is will be the greatest
concern.

There also remains the possibility for some localized severe
weather late this afternoon and this evening. CAPE values build
to 1,000-2,000 J/kg, possibly even higher in some areas. 0-6 km
shear is not overly impressive at 20-25 knots, and mid-levels
winds are fairly weak. However, with enough instability, some
stronger downdrafts may develop if storms build high enough. The
SPC has eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and eastern Maryland in
a Slight Risk for severe weather, with New Jersey under a
Marginal Risk for sever weather.

The strong convection is expected to begin waning after sunset
as daytime heat and instability diminishes. However, there will
remain a chance of showers and thunderstorms through at least
midnight as the surface trough moves across the area. The cold
front will eventually make its way into our area later this
evening and overnight as it moves from west to east.
&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM FRIDAY THROUGH 6 AM FRIDAY/...
The cold front will continue to slide east through the day Friday,
but will be fairly slow moving. All of the strong short
waves/vorticity impulses will be east of the area, and PW values
will be decreasing during the day. So while it will warm several
degrees above normal during the day, and dewpoints remain elevated,
there will only be a slight chance for isolated showers or
thunderstorms during the day. Any activity will be mostly in the
late morning into early afternoon, before diminish the late
afternoon hours. Afternoon high will likely average 5 degrees above
normal, but by the time the highs occur, dewpoints should begin
lowering, so we do not expect anyone to approach Heat Advisory
criteria.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Overview...

At mid and upper levels, a shortwave will be gradually moving
southeast through southern Ontario over the weekend, and into New
England by Sunday. A weak surface low and trailing cold front will
accompany it. Right off the bat, this would suggest potential for
trouble this weekend. However, in a twist on what we've generally
seen this year, it appears this frontal passage, which will occur by
Sunday, will be quite uneventful. The cold front pushing offshore
Friday has a solid northwest flow behind it, which will advect much
drier air into the region and pinch off the moisture supply feeding
out of the Gulf, where TS Barry is churning. Only a narrow band of
relatively modest moisture (PWATs around 1.5 inches) looks to
accompany this front, and other parameters do not appear impressive
enough to provide much compensation. The front will likely move
through Saturday night or Sunday, and unlike many fronts we've seen
lately it does not look to linger.

By Monday, the weekend shortwave and frontal system shifts off to
the east. A ridge will have been building over the northern Plains
and into the Great Lakes over the weekend, and will begin to shift
eastward towards the Northeast and mid-Atlantic by early next week.
Surface high pressure should keep Monday and Tuesday mostly or
entirely dry. The rising mid-level heights as the ridge pushes in
will also support a warming trend. What happens Wednesday and beyond
will be largely dictated by the evolution of TS Barry. A frontal
system will be moving into the central US by Tuesday or Wednesday,
and based on the NHC forecast and the last couple cycles of
guidance, it seems likely Barry will slowly make its way northward
and eventually merge with or be picked up by that frontal system. It
is possible that the ridge ends up stronger and pushes Barry further
west, though that now seems a less likely outcome. Realizing a lot
can change, the philosophy here will assume the remnants of Barry
within the frontal system start to approach by mid or late week.
Developing southwesterly flow should bring moisture rich air into
the region towards midweek. As the front approaches, showers and
thunderstorms would be likely, but it is too early to say much more
than that. There is high uncertainty both in the track and timing of
Barry, and high uncertainty as to how much would be left of it by
the time it arrived here.

Dailies...

Saturday-Sunday... Overall, a nice weekend. Westerly flow brings
tolerable humidity and seasonable warmth Saturday. By Saturday night
and Sunday, a fast moving cold front approaches. As mentioned above,
a lack of moisture return ahead of this front combined with its fast
motion and its likely passage during a period diurnally unfavorable
for convection suggests limited fanfare. A scattered shower is
possible Sunday especially over Delmarva, but most places will
likely stay dry.

Monday-Tuesday... The Great Lakes ridge shifts into the region. High
pressure at the surface should yield mainly dry weather. High
confidence in a dry Monday with low dew points and seasonable
temperatures. By Tuesday, expecting high pressure will continue to
hold, but developing southwesterly flow will start to draw more
moisture into the area, with above average temperatures also likely
due to the ridge overhead. A spotty shower or storm cannot be ruled
out, though should be a mainly dry day.

Wednesday-Thursday... Shower and thunderstorm chances will increase
during this period as the next frontal system and potentially the
remnants of Barry approach. It is too early to say which day if
either may have a better chance for showers and storms or how the
threat would evolve. Regardless, warm and humid conditions are
likely, and this period appears to offer the next chance for any
significant weather.

&&

.AVIATION /19Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
The following discussion is for KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG, KILG,
KMIV, KACY and surrounding areas.

Tonight...Showers and thunderstorms will move across the TAF sites
this afternoon into this evening. Conditions will temporarily lower
to IFR or MVFR within these thunderstorms. Outside of showers and
thunderstorms VFR will be in place. Showers and thunderstorms will
continue to progress eastward through the evening hours and end from
west to east; thunderstorms likely ending 23z/00z for ABE/RDG,
01z/02z for ILG/PHL/PNE/TTN, and 02z/03z for MIV/ACY. Showers should
completely end by 06z/07z. MVFR ceilings are forecast to develop for
all sites during the overnight hours.

Southeast winds 5-10 knots will continue through the afternoon into
the evening hours, before shifting to the south then southwest later
this evening and overnight. Some areas may even become light and
variable overnight.

Friday...MVFR conditions are expected to begin the day Friday, but
begin to lift after daybreak and become VFR for the remainder of the
day. Winds will become west to northwest around 10 knots, with some
gusts in the mid to upper teens possible. An isolated shower or
thunderstorm is possible around midday, but potential is very small
at this time.

Outlook...

Friday night-Saturday... VFR. Light westerly or northwesterly wind.

Saturday night-Sunday... VFR. Light west or southwest wind on
Saturday night becoming light from the northwest on Sunday. Slight
chance of a shower Sunday.

Sunday night-Tuesday... VFR. Light and variable winds.

&&

.MARINE...

Tonight-Friday...Conditions are expected to remain below advisory
levels through tonight and friday, although winds could gust around
20 knots at times. Showers and thunderstorms are possible this
afternoon and evening which could produce locally higher winds and
waves.

Outlook...

Winds and seas are expected to remain below SCA criteria over the
course of the period.

RIP CURRENTS...

The risk for enhanced threat of rip currents is low at this time
tonight through Friday with seas remaining 2-3 feet with a swell of
6-8 seconds and winds shifting from south tonight to southwest or
west on Friday.

&&

.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Flash Flood Watch until 1 AM EDT Friday for PAZ060>062-070-071-
     101>106.
NJ...Flash Flood Watch until 1 AM EDT Friday for NJZ007>010-012-
     015>019.
DE...Flash Flood Watch until 1 AM EDT Friday for DEZ001.
MD...Flash Flood Watch until 1 AM EDT Friday for MDZ008.
MARINE...None.

&&

Synopsis...O'Brien
Near Term...Robertson
Short Term...Robertson
Long Term...O'Brien/Staarmann
Aviation...Robertson/O'Brien/Staarmann
Marine...Robertson/O'Brien/Staarmann
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 11, 2:32 PM EST, 3 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
332 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

DEZ001-MDZ008-NJZ007>010-012-015>019-PAZ060>062-070-071-101>106-
121945-
New Castle-Cecil-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon-Somerset-Middlesex-Mercer-
Salem-Gloucester-Camden-Northwestern Burlington-Berks-Lehigh-
Northampton-Delaware-Philadelphia-Western Chester-Eastern Chester-
Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks-Lower Bucks-
332 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EDT FRIDAY...

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 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.

   Flash Flood Watch.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely later today and tonight. A few
storms may also be strong with a threat for gusty winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

DEZ002-003-MDZ012-015-019-020-NJZ001-013-020>023-027-PAZ054-055-
121945-
Kent-Inland Sussex-Kent MD-Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-Sussex-
Western Monmouth-Ocean-Cumberland-Atlantic-Cape May-
Southeastern Burlington-Carbon-Monroe-
332 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Delaware, southern
Delaware, northeast Maryland, central New Jersey, northern New
Jersey, southern New Jersey and northeast Pennsylvania.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely later today and tonight which
could produce heavy rain and lead to some localized areas of
flooding. A few storms may also be strong with a threat for gusty
winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

DEZ004-NJZ014-024>026-121945-
Delaware Beaches-Eastern Monmouth-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-
Coastal Atlantic-Coastal Ocean-
332 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Delaware, central
New Jersey and southern New Jersey.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely later today and tonight which
could produce heavy rain and lead to some localized areas of
flooding. A few storms may also be strong with a threat for gusty
winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

ANZ430-431-450>455-121945-
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 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-
332 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters and
Delaware Bay Waters.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 11, 12:23 PM EST, 2 hours 12 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
123 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

DEZ001-002-NJZ016-021-PAZ060-070-101>103-111815-
Kent-New Castle-Salem-Cumberland-Western Montgomery-Delaware-Western
Chester-Eastern Chester-Berks-
123 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT NEW CASTLE...
NORTHWESTERN KENT...NORTHWESTERN CUMBERLAND...SALEM...SOUTHEASTERN
BERKS...NORTHWESTERN MONTGOMERY...CHESTER AND DELAWARE COUNTIES...

At 120 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from Birdsboro, Pennsylvania to near
Cheswold, Delaware. Movement was northeast at 30 mph.

Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with these
storms. Heavy downpours are likely.

Locations impacted include...
Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Bridgeton, Middletown, West Chester,
Chester, Pottstown, Phoenixville, West Norriton, East Norriton,
Pennsville, Coatesville, Westtown, Smyrna, Carneys Point,
Downingtown, Swarthmore, Elsmere and Kennett Square.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

LAT...LON 4052 7565 4035 7538 4015 7537 4010 7546
      4003 7533 3985 7530 3978 7544 3968 7527
      3939 7523 3933 7532 3946 7554 3957 7551
      3962 7557 3971 7549 3972 7551 3962 7561
      3947 7559 3928 7542 3911 7570 4029 7590
TIME...MOT...LOC 1721Z 224DEG 25KT 4027 7583 3923 7566

Iovino
Special weather statement, Jul 11, 1:41 PM EST, 54 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
241 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

NJZ016>018-PAZ070-071-104-111945-
Salem-Camden-Gloucester-Eastern Montgomery-Delaware-Philadelphia-
241 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT CENTRAL SALEM...
NORTHWESTERN CAMDEN...GLOUCESTER...SOUTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY...
PHILADELPHIA AND EASTERN DELAWARE COUNTIES...

At 241 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from Radnor Township to near Alloway. Movement
was northeast at 25 mph.

Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail are possible with these
storms.

Locations impacted include...
Philadelphia, Camden, Gloucester City, Chester, Deptford, West
Deptford, Glassboro, Lindenwold, Bellmawr, Yeadon, Woodbury, Pitman,
Clayton, Conshohocken, Palmyra, Hatboro, Folcroft, Ambler, Swarthmore
and Paulsboro.

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

LAT...LON 3950 7535 4002 7540 4022 7515 4016 7506
      4001 7504 3999 7506 4000 7504 3999 7504
      3969 7500
TIME...MOT...LOC 1841Z 221DEG 20KT 4005 7535 3954 7530

Iovino
Special weather statement, Jul 11, 1:44 PM EST, 51 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
244 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

PAZ061-062-102>106-111945-
Lower Bucks-Upper Bucks-Lehigh-Eastern Montgomery-Western
Montgomery-Eastern Chester-Northampton-
244 PM EDT Thu Jul 11 2019

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT CENTRAL MONTGOMERY...
SOUTHEASTERN LEHIGH...BUCKS AND SOUTHEASTERN NORTHAMPTON COUNTIES...

At 244 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from near Ancient Oaks to Radnor Township.
Movement was northeast at 25 mph.

Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail are possible with these
storms.

Locations impacted include...
Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem, Norristown, Lansdale, West Norriton,
Forks, East Norriton, Emmaus, Quakertown, Perkasie, Doylestown,
Byram, Wilson, Conshohocken, Souderton, Bedminster, Ambler,
Hellertown and Nazareth.

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

LAT...LON 4083 7519 4077 7517 4068 7520 4068 7517
      4065 7520 4057 7519 4057 7510 4029 7501
      4004 7534 4006 7536 4002 7542 4043 7555
      4045 7553 4047 7556 4056 7559
TIME...MOT...LOC 1844Z 223DEG 22KT 4054 7554 4003 7539

Iovino
Local storm report, Jul 11, 1:58 PM EST, 37 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
258 PM EDT THU JUL 11 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0245 PM     FLOOD            1 E POTTSTOWN           40.25N 75.62W
07/11/2019                   MONTGOMERY         PA   PUBLIC

            JACKSON ST AT KEIM ST FLOODED WITH ABOUT A
            FOOT OF STANDING WATER.

&&

JEO
Local storm report, Jul 11, 2:00 PM EST, 35 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
300 PM EDT THU JUL 11 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0235 PM     FLOOD            1 E SOUTH POTTSTOWN     40.24N 75.63W
07/11/2019                   MONTGOMERY         PA   PUBLIC

            FLOODING UNDER THE RAILROAD OVERPASS ON KEIN
            ST. NORTH OF INDUSTRIAL HWY.

&&

JEO
Local storm report, Jul 11, 2:15 PM EST, 20 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
315 PM EDT THU JUL 11 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0250 PM     FLOOD            1 WSW SANATOGA          40.24N 75.61W
07/11/2019                   MONTGOMERY         PA   PUBLIC

            FLOODING ON ARMAND HAMMER BLVD NEAR
            POTTSTOWN MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER.

&&

JEO

The radar

The Philadelphia radar (KDIX), 116 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:34 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

27 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Berks

When
July 11, 2:35 PM EST to 5:45 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 1.23 mi SW of Gabelsville to 1.15 mi SSW of Gabelsville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.316, -75.684

A vehicle became trapped in flood waters at the intersection of Reading Avenue and Trout Run Road in Douglass Township, and a water rescue was needed. Another water rescue took place at the intersection of Farmington Avenue and Englesville Hill Road in Douglass Township.

Flash Flood, Montgomery

When
July 11, 2:55 PM EST to 5:45 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.13 mi NNE of Gilbertsville to 0.43 mi ENE of Gilbertsville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.336, -75.614

A water rescue took place at the intersection of Sassamansville Road and Kulps Road in Douglass Township. Other water rescues in the township took place at the intersection of Swamp Creek Road and Schlegel Road, and at the intersection of Hoffmansville Road and Green Hill Road.

Flash Flood, Montgomery

When
July 11, 3:05 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.65 mi W of Fruitville to 2.42 mi NNE of Palm
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.404, -75.561

A water rescue took place along Kutztown Road near Fox Hollow Lane in Upper Hanover Township. Other water rescues took place on Wasser Road near Ridge Way, and along Quakertown Avenue at Ott Road in Upper Hanover Township. A water rescue took place on Washington Street near 3rd Street in Pennsburg. Moderate flooding occurred along the Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries in Upper Hanover Township.

Flash Flood, Berks

When
July 11, 3:30 PM EST to 8:30 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.9 mi N of Pine Forge to 0.71 mi N of Pine Forge
Cause
Heavy Rain
Deaths
2 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.293, -75.682

A pregnant woman and her son were trapped in a car that flipped over after being swept against a guardrail on Grist Mill Road near Locust Road along the Ironstone Creek. The two were trapped inside the vehicle, where they both perished. The rescue crew could not reach them until the water receded about 5 hours later.

Flash Flood, Berks

When
July 11, 3:30 PM EST to 5:45 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.9 mi W of Boyertown to 0.89 mi W of Boyertown
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.329, -75.647

A water rescue took place at the intersection of South Reading Avenue and Water Street in Colebrookdale Township.

Flash Flood, Montgomery

When
July 11, 3:35 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 0.71 mi NNW of Green Lane to 0.69 mi NNW of Green Lane
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.340, -75.473

Fifteen individuals were evacuated from an apartment building on Gravel Pike in Green Lane due to flash flooding.

Flash Flood, Berks

When
July 11, 3:50 PM EST to 5:45 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.51 mi N of Bechtelsville to 0.66 mi SW of Bechtelsville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.377, -75.631

PA Route 100 was closed in both directions near Bechtelsville due to flash flooding. Some buildings in Bechtelsville took on water. Campers were evacuated from the Lazy-K Campground near Bechtelsville. Some tents and camping trailers were swept away by the flood waters.

Flash Flood, Berks

When
July 11, 4:00 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.43 mi SE of Passmore to 0.68 mi NW of Bally
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.396, -75.594

PA Route 100 became impassable in the Bally area due to flash flooding.

Flash Flood, Berks

When
July 11, 4:00 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.34 mi SW of Chapel to 0.19 mi W of Chapel
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.426, -75.554

Homes along Fetterman Road in Hereford Township took on water.

Flash Flood, Chester

When
July 11, 4:10 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.85 mi N of Honey Brook to 0.99 mi ESE of Honey Brook
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.112, -75.922

Multiple water rescues took place along Twin County Road in Honey Brook Township.

Flash Flood, Berks

When
July 11, 4:15 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.91 mi NW of Unionville to 0.32 mi SW of Douglasville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
40.259, -75.733

US Route 422 in Douglassville was impassable due to flood waters.

Flash Flood, Northampton

When
July 11, 4:15 PM EST to 5:20 PM EST
Where
Northampton County, 0.62 mi NW of Bethlehem to 0.29 mi NNW of Bethlehem
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.635, -75.390

Minor flooding occurred along the Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem.

Flash Flood, Montgomery

When
July 11, 4:30 PM EST to 5:45 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.31 mi E of Stowe to 1.3 mi W of Pottstown
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.248, -75.655

A water rescue took place at the intersection of Manatawny Street and King Street in Pottstown.

Flash Flood, Chester

When
July 11, 4:30 PM EST to 5:45 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.43 mi NNW of Conestoga to 0.3 mi N of Conestoga
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.136, -75.833

A water rescue took place at the intersection of Chestnut Tree Road and Pond View Drive in West Nantmeal Township.

Flash Flood, Chester

When
July 11, 4:30 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.9 mi SW of Kenilworth to 0.77 mi SSW of Kenilworth
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.219, -75.640

A water rescue took place at the intersection of Miller Road and East Cedarville Road in North Coventry Township.

Flash Flood, Bucks

When
July 11, 4:35 PM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where
Bucks County, 1.52 mi ESE of Telford to 1.6 mi ESE of Telford
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.320, -75.304

A water rescue took place at the intersection of Bethlehem Pike and Cherry Road in Hilltown Township.

Flash Flood, Montgomery

When
July 11, 4:45 PM EST to 5:45 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.27 mi SW of Frederick to 1.29 mi WNW of Perkiomenville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.287, -75.546

A water rescue took place at the intersection of Fagleysville Road and Colonial Road in Upper Frederick Township. Another water rescue took place on Snyder Road in Upper Frederick Township.

Flash Flood, Chester

When
July 11, 5:00 PM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.88 mi ESE of Downingtown to 0.96 mi E of Downingtown
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.017, -75.684

A water rescue took place along Lancaster Avenue in East Caln Township.

Flash Flood, Chester

When
July 11, 5:00 PM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 1.25 mi S of Oppermans Corners to 1.29 mi N of Anselma
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.062, -75.628

A water rescue took place along Upper Pine Creek Road near Davis Road in West Pikeland Township. Flash flooding occurred along Pickering Creek in West Pikeland Township with flood waters reaching Conestoga Road and Kimberton Road.

Flash Flood, Bucks

When
July 11, 5:05 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Bucks County, 0.58 mi WNW of Perkasie to 0.23 mi S of Keelersville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.373, -75.290

Moderate flooding occurred along the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek above Perkasie.

Flash Flood, Chester

When
July 11, 5:50 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 1.5 mi WNW of Harmony Hill to 1.34 mi ENE of Marshallton
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.992, -75.704

Moderate flooding occurred along the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek below Downingtown.

Flash Flood, Chester

When
July 11, 5:55 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.66 mi N of Phoenixville to 0.17 mi NNE of Kimberton
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.140, -75.519

Minor flooding occurred along the French Creek in the Phoenixville area.

Flash Flood, Delaware

When
July 11, 6:05 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where
Delaware County, 0.52 mi WSW of Florida Park to 0.24 mi SSW of Edgemont
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.977, -75.439

Minor flooding occurred along Crum Creek near Newtown Square.

Flash Flood, Delaware

When
July 11, 6:10 PM EST to 6:40 PM EST
Where
Delaware County, 0.52 mi NNE of Arlington to 0.6 mi NW of Arlington
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
39.977, -75.277

Minor flooding occurred along Cobbs Creek in Haverford Township.

Flash Flood, Philadelphia

When
July 11, 6:25 PM EST to 6:55 PM EST
Where
Philadelphia County, 0.94 mi SSE of Crescentville to 1.37 mi W of Crescentville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.017, -75.095

Minor flooding occurred along Frankford Creek.

Flash Flood, Montgomery

When
July 11, 6:45 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.17 mi NNW of Graterford to 0.41 mi NNE of Graterford
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.245, -75.461

Major flooding occurred along the Perkiomen Creek in the Graterford area.

Flash Flood, Bucks

When
July 11, 8:10 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where
Bucks County, 1.27 mi NNE of Richboro to 1.4 mi E of Jamison
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.237, -74.991

Minor flooding occurred along the Neshaminy Creek in the Penns Park area.

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, Berks2019-07-1131FemaleVehicle/Towed TrailerDirect
Flash Flood, Berks2019-07-119MaleVehicle/Towed TrailerDirect

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.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, July 2019

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: 826132, 826136, 826406, 826139, 826141, 826433, 826142, 826407, 826408, 826145, 826147, 826414, 826400, 826401, 826402, 826418, 826403, 826419, 826423, 826424, 826427, 826426, 826432, 826431, 826430, 826425, 826429.