Storm Brings Heavy Rain, Strong Gusts to Philadelphia

A strong storm will bring widespread rain and gusty winds to the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley on Thursday, prompting local NEXT Weather/NBC10 alerts. Total rainfall is expected around 1–3 inches (commonly 1–2 inches) over 6–12 hours, with the heaviest rain during the morning commute into the afternoon and potential for localized urban, river and minor coastal flooding. Wind gusts of 30–50+ mph are likely (highest along the coast), increasing the risk of beach erosion, downed trees, power outages and leaf-storm impacts through Thursday and into Friday. The Storm Prediction Center and NWS have parts of the region under a marginal risk for isolated strong to severe storms, including a possible isolated tornado. Hurricane Melissa is enhancing coastal wave action and may contribute to elevated seas before the system departs by late Thursday/Thursday night, with drier, cooler but still breezy conditions expected for Halloween and the weekend.