A Flood Watch and Coastal Flood Advisory are now in effect as a "wall of rain" continues to move through our region. The heavy rain is not expected to leave until Thursday night prompting flooding concerns as 3 to 5 inches of rain could fall.
The precipitation is part of the large storm system that stretches from The Deep South up into the Northeast. It’s the same system that has spawned devastating tornadoes in Arkansas and Mississippi. But for our area, we will only see lots of rain and wind.
NBC10 First Alert Chief Meteorologist Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz says the rain will intensify at times Wednesday and carry on into Thursday afternoon.
“It will be heavier tomorrow morning for the morning rush then it will be tonight for the rush,” Hurricane said. “One of our computer models is predicting 3 to 5 inches of rain by the end of this on Thursday." He called the storm system a "wall of rain."
A Flood Watch went into effect for the entire region through Thursday morning. A Coastal Flood Advisory for minor tidal flooding also went into effect and will last until 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
NBC10 First Alert Meteorologist Tedd Florendo says flooding that might occur will most likely be localized to roads and sidewalks. He says drivers should expect to run into ponding as they roll down highways, so it will be important to take extra caution.
“When you have that heavy rain coming down and you’re trying to drive, it’s going to be difficult,” he said. “It’s best to slow down and take your time.”
A few isolated thunderstorms could crop up in Southern Delaware, but that is expected to be the only area to see the lighting and thunder, Florendo said.
The rain will move out of the area by Thursday evening and then we should dry out on Friday, the meteorologists said.
Photo Credit: AP