Funnel Cloud Reported as Severe Storms Roll Through

Severe thunderstorms brought hail, rain and strong winds

Heavy rain, large hail, strong winds, lightning and even a funnel cloud were reported as strong storms rolled through the area Friday.

Severe watches and warnings flew as the line of storms moved east through the afternoon and evening.

The Lehigh Valley took cover after a Tornado Warning was issued just after 5:30 p.m. While there were no reports of a tornado touching down by the time the warning expired just after 6 p.m., several people witnessed a funnel cloud near Emmaus, Pa., the National Weather Service said.

Lighting and hail were also a concern as the front moved through. NBC Philadelphia viewers sent in photos of 1 to 3-inch size ice in the suburbs of Allentown, Pa.

NBC Philadelphia reporter Stacey Stauffer caught heavy, nickel-sided ice pellets falling in her Allentown, Pa. front yard just before 6 p.m. Quarter-size hail was also reported in South Jersey and Delaware.

In Deptford, N.J., officials believe a lightning strike was the cause of a fire in the basement of a home. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

The entire area remained under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m. as the front made its way offshore.

Heavy rain and strong winds also caused large trees to fall throughout the area.

If you have photos of the storm or a funnel cloud, email them to tips@nbcphiladelphia.com.

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