Isaias Remnants Bring Flood Risk to Philadelphia Region

Remnants of Hurricane Isaias are bringing heavy rain, strong winds and flooding risks to the Philadelphia region and parts of southern Fairfield County on Sunday and Monday, with impacts including possible flash flooding, thunderstorms and coastal water rise, according to CBS News, NBC Philadelphia, Yahoo and local emergency officials.

The National Weather Service said the Philadelphia area could receive 1 to 3 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible, while Cape May County emergency officials reported expected totals of 1 to 2 inches and isolated areas reaching 3 inches.

NBC Philadelphia reported that a Flash Flood Warning was issued for Philadelphia and Montgomery counties until 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Officials warned that heavy rain, gusty winds and poor drainage could lead to road closures and localized flooding.

Forecasts from CBS News and NBC Philadelphia showed the heaviest rainfall would continue through Sunday before weakening overnight. Winds could reach up to 35 mph, with a low risk of brief tornadoes and isolated damaging wind gusts.

"Do not drive through flooded roadways," the National Weather Service said.

Yahoo reported that southern Fairfield County could face up to a half-foot of flooding in low-lying coastal areas from Monday morning through Monday afternoon. The agency issued a coastal flood statement for vulnerable waterfront locations.

Cape May County emergency management officials said the main risks included localized flash flooding along and south of the I-95 corridor, severe weather threats mainly south of Philadelphia, and minor tidal flooding along Delaware Bay and the tidal Delaware River.

Officials said the storm system could also cause isolated tree damage and power outages from strong wind gusts. River levels were expected to rise, but local gauges were not forecast to reach flood stage, according to Cape May County emergency management.

Weather conditions are expected to improve after the system moves through. NBC Philadelphia forecast sunshine returning Monday afternoon, with temperatures rising near 80 degrees Tuesday and into the lower 80s Wednesday before cooler air arrives later in the week.