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PHILADELPHIA – The NWS forecast for coastal flooding along the tidal Delaware River and its tributaries continues trending upward. Potentially historic flooding may occur overnight, but specific impacts are uncertain. Residents, businesses, and visitors along the Delaware River and its connected creeks/streams should be vigilant until the current NWS advisories expire. The tidal portion of the Schuylkill River may also be affected. You can find updated forecasts, including weather alerts and hydro-forecasts on the National Weather Service Mount Holly’s website.
This includes parking their vehicles or driving near low-lying, flood prone areas, especially along those along the Delaware River like Columbus Boulevard/Delaware Avenue.
If there is intense rainfall in Philadelphia during high tides and storm surges on the Delaware River, it can contribute to basement flooding in areas near the river, including parts of Port Richmond, Kensington, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Center City, and South Philadelphia, as well as along Lindbergh Avenue and 84th Street near Darby Creek.
How to prepare:
- Residents can prepare by removing any valuables or electronics from basements and low-lying areas. If a customer experiences water entering a basement through pipes, drains, toilets, or other basement plumbing fixtures, they should safely document the flooding and call the Water Department’s 24/7 emergency hotline at (215) 685-6300.
- Get free alerts before, during, and after severe weather, emergency, or special events by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or by visiting www.phila.gov/ready. Also, follow your trusted news-source for updates on road conditions, use caution, and give yourself extra time in your commute.
- Never drive around barricades or flooded roadways. Floodwater is murky, sometimes fast-moving, and you may not be able to tell how deep it is.
- Residents and businesses should know their flood risk and can visit www.floodsmart.gov to see if their location is in a flood zone.
- The public can also find emergency preparedness plans on the Office of Emergency Management’s website atwww.phila.gov/ready. Of special interest is how to prepare to shelter in place or to build a go bag should you need to evacuate, all while keeping pets in mind.
- Learn about the types of flooding in the city and what you can do to protect your property with information from the Philadelphia Flood Risk Management Task Force.
