Severe storms flood streets, topple trees across Philadelphia region
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Severe weather brought trees down and caused flash flooding, disrupting the morning rush, across parts of the Philadelphia region.
In Kerr Park in Downingtown, Chester County, the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek overflowed its banks Tuesday and flooded the roadway.
The creek crested at 12.36 feet at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday which was considered major flood stage. The floodwaters receded by Wednesday morning.
It's a different story in Chadds Ford, Delaware County where the floodwaters have not yet receded.
The National Weather Service says the Brandywine Creek will crest at 11.2 feet. Flood stage is 9 feet. A flood warning for this part of the area continues until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The Brandywine Creek has taken over Baltimore Pike (Route 1) at Creek Road, especially on the southbound side. Drivers have been trying to make their way through the flooded roadway early Wednesday morning. Some cars got stuck before authorities closed the southbound side of Baltimore Pike just before 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Firefighters rescued one person from a vehicle that was stuck in the floodwaters.
The heavy rain caused a few other water rescues during the height of the storm, but no injuries have been reported.
An Action News viewer captured video of the heavy rain coming down in Whitpain Township, Montgomery County.
It was the same series of storms that brought down a bunch of trees in Birmingham Township, Chester County.
"It sounded like a freight train, just really loud noise. I've never been in a tornado before, but if this is what it is, it's terrifying," said resident Mark Bergkvist. "I could see the rain going by me horizontally but couldn't see any further."
And in Thorndale, the storm left some drivers stranded at businesses during the evening rush.
The storm even forced the closure of the Route 30 bypass between Coatesville and Downingtown.
Another day of stifling humidity followed by afternoon storms is in the cards for midweek. According to Meteorologist Cecily Tynan, storms will be slow moving and moisture-loaded Wednesday, so another round of flash flooding is possible.
