'Wild Ride' Of Damaging Winds, Thunderstorms Threaten Philly Area – Patch

‘Wild Ride’ Of Damaging Winds, Thunderstorms Threaten Philly Area  Patch

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Powerful, potentially damaging winds and severe thunderstorms threaten the greater Philadelphia this weekend as a front nears the region, forecasters said. The latest forecast calls for rain to begin early Friday afternoon before the worst of the storm hits at around 4 p.m. The most severe impacts are possible through around 9 p.m. "We've got a bit of a wild weather ride ahead of us," the National Weather Service's Mt. Holly, New Jersey branch shared. It's possible that the most severe weather will form along a "narrow squall line" running from the east to west, so while the general region will see stormy weather, the most damage may occur along the same longitude.

The entire region remains in the level two "slight risk" category from the National Weather Service. Wind gusts ranging from 25 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour are expected throughout the area. "Wind gusts will average 25-40 mph, which is not quite as strong as what can sometimes occur with the most powerful storms in the autumn, winter and spring," Accuweather senior meteorologist Brett Anderson said. "However, winds will be strong enough to send leaves, as well as unsecured trash cans, recycling bins and Halloween decorations flying through neighborhoods." There is a "non zero" chance that winds could even kick up into