Showers and thunderstorms are moving across the Lehigh Valley on Tuesday evening, bringing torrential rain and flash flooding to some areas as a cold front combines with moisture associated with Tropical Storm Debby.
Just after 6:30 p.m., the for central Northampton, north central Lehigh, southeastern Carbon and south central Monroe counties until 10:30 p.m. Flash flooding is under way in areas after 1 to 2 inches of rain fell within an hour, according to the weather service. Another 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible in the warned area.
Flooding of small creeks and streams, roads and other low-lying and poor drainage areas was under way or imminent, the weather service reported.
In Northampton County, a water rescue was under way around 6 p.m. near Riverview Country Club off Route 611 in Forks Township, according to emergency radio dispatches. Emergency personnel on scene radioed for Route 611 in the area to be closed.
In addition to the flooding, some downed trees and wires were reported across the Valley. Power was out to around 1,000 customers, mostly in Lehigh County, as of 8 p.m., according to .
The weather also impacted Musikfest, which moved up the headline concert by Old Dominion to beat the worst of the rain and storms. The country band’s performance at the Wind Creek Steel Stage was then stopped after about 40 minutes as ArtsQuest temporarily suspended events and urged festivalgoers to seek shelter.
Most Lehigh Valley municipalities postponed their National Night Out celebrations that had been scheduled for Tuesday evening.
The National Weather Service said showers and thunderstorms will continue to move through the area Tuesday evening into Wednesday. A flood watch for the entire region remains in effect until noon Wednesday.
There is also an enhanced risk that any thunderstorms Tuesday will be severe. The weather service placed the Lehigh Valley under a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m. Forecasters said damaging wind gusts are the greatest threat from the storms.
In addition to the severe thunderstorm and flood watches, the Lehigh Valley is also under a heat advisory until 10 p.m. Heat index values could be around 100.
Tropical Storm Debby is expected to work its way up the East Coast during the week, but it is not yet clear what impact it may have on the Lehigh Valley. Regardless, moisture associated with the storm is likely to continue flowing into our area through Friday or Saturday.
The weather service is expecting rain in some capacity most days this week, which could cause more problems for those attending Musikfest. The festival, held yearly in Bethlehem, continues through Sunday.
Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:
Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 73. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 78. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 80.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 80.
