Philadelphia Under Weather Alerts as Flooding, Freeze Warnings Issued
National Weather Service warns of coastal flooding through Saturday morning and dangerous freeze conditions starting Monday night.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA — The National Weather Service issued multiple weather advisories for Philadelphia and surrounding counties early Saturday morning, warning residents of potential coastal flooding through 6 a.m. and an upcoming freeze watch that could damage crops and outdoor plumbing.
A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday for Philadelphia, Delaware, and Lower Bucks counties in Pennsylvania, along with Gloucester, Camden and Northwestern Burlington counties in New Jersey. The advisory warns of up to one foot of water inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
According to the National Weather Service Mount Holly office, flooding has begun on the most vulnerable roads along tidal waterways, with some partial or full road closures possible during the advisory period.
Freeze Conditions Expected Early Week
More concerning for area residents and farmers is an extended period of freezing temperatures forecast to begin late Monday night. The National Weather Service issued a Freeze Watch for Delaware and Philadelphia counties from late Monday night through Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.
Temperatures could drop as low as 30 degrees, mainly outside of urban city centers, according to the weather service. The advisory warns that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Regional Impact Extends Beyond City Limits
The freeze warnings affect a broader region across southeastern Pennsylvania and central New Jersey. Carbon and Monroe counties face the most severe conditions, with a Freeze Warning in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Monday, followed by a Freeze Watch extending through Tuesday morning.
These mountainous counties could see temperatures plummet as low as 25 degrees during the warning period and potentially drop to 19 degrees during the subsequent watch period. The National Weather Service issued these alerts at 1:11 a.m. Saturday.
Portions of central, northern, northwest and southern New Jersey, along with east central and southeast Pennsylvania, face similar freeze conditions with temperatures potentially reaching 26 degrees during the Monday night through Tuesday morning period.
Residents are advised to take precautions to protect sensitive plants and outdoor water pipes. The unusual late-season freeze comes as many gardeners and farmers have already begun spring planting activities.
