More strong storms — including torrential downpours that could cause travel delays — are expected to sweep through Philadelphia and the north and west suburbs Friday evening.
NBC10 has declared a First Alert in those areas for the storms, starting at 6 p.m. and lasting until midnight.
The rain will be so heavy in some spots that it could blind drivers and cause flooding in areas with poor drainage, especially in the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and its north and west suburbs. "These are teeming downpours," said First Alert Meteorologist Steve Sosna.
Before the storms, it will be humid. Highs will reach the lower 90s and the feels like temperatures will be in the upper 90s.
Then the storms move in. "Within a minute the sky can open up," Sosna said.
In some neighborhoods north and west of Philadelphia, there's already been 6 to 10 inches of rain this month. So more rain could cause problems for trees.
"What that does is it loosens the root system, and any unhealthy tree — and even a healthy tree if the roots are compromised — could be knocked over in a wind gust," Sosna said.
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Lightning is also a danger with these storms, as is the threat of delayed or canceled flights.
On Saturday, expect rounds of showers and storms. The rain won't be constant, but there could be times of heavy downpours and lightning.
Sunday will see lingering showers, but the rain won't be as heavy or as widespread as Saturday.
