Flood Advisories Issued for Shore and Philly Area as Imelda and Humberto Backlash Intensifies
Dynamic Weather Patterns Affect Philadelphia Region Due to Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto
Coastal Flood Warnings for the Philadelphia Area
The Philadelphia region is poised to experience the residual effects of Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which are engaged in an unusual atmospheric interaction in the North Atlantic. As the twin storms churn the ocean, the National Weather Service has issued coastal flood advisories for critical areas including the Jersey Shore and sections along the Delaware River.
The advisories are scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday for the Shore and extend from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday for areas near the river. According to Ray Martin, a lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service Office in Mount Holly, “We’re going to see some tidal-piling along the coast and back bays,” due to the ocean’s “long period swells.”
Potential Impacts on Coastal and Inland Areas
The combination of the storms’ low-pressure areas and a robust high-pressure system driving them out to sea is creating forceful onshore winds. In beach towns, these winds may gust up to 40 mph, potentially leading to some road closures in the Philadelphia region.
High tide along the Jersey coast is expected at 3 p.m., while along the Delaware, it is projected at 10 p.m. The river is forecasted to crest at 8.7 feet at Washington Avenue, slightly surpassing the minor flood level.
Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto: Current Status
Humberto, located approximately 350 miles north of Bermuda, was close to losing its classification as a hurricane late Wednesday, with peak winds dropping to 70 mph. The National Hurricane Center indicated that it would stop issuing Humberto advisories.
To the southwest of Humberto, Imelda remains well off the Carolina coast, maintaining top winds of 100 mph and moving toward the North Atlantic. Imelda’s cloud formations have contributed to spectacular sunsets across the Philadelphia region and the eastern United States.
Uncommon Atmospheric Interactions and Seasonal Observations
Robbie Berg, warning coordination chief at the hurricane center, acknowledged that the interaction between Humberto and Imelda is a rare atmospheric event, although it remains uncertain if this interaction is unprecedented.
- As of this point in the season, no hurricanes have made landfall in the United States, marking a decade-long first, according to AccuWeather Inc.
- The forecast for the upcoming week in the Philadelphia region predicts sunny skies with highs around 70 degrees, setting the stage for a picturesque weekend.
