It’s going to rain today in Schuylkill County.
Not just some rain … a lot of rain.
Basically, this much rain:
National Weather Service issued an Areal Flood Advisory from 2 p.m. Thursday until 2 p.m. Friday for the following counties, including Schuylkill:
- Adams
- Columbia
- Cumberland
- Dauphin
- Juniata
- Lancaster
- Lebanon
- Montour
- Northern Lycoming
- Northumberland
- Perry
- Schuylkill
- Snyder
- Southern Lycoming
- Sullivan
- Tioga
- Union
- York
As much as 3 inches of rain is expected to fall in these areas from Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. If you live in poor drainage areas or areas prone to flooding, you may want to keep an eye out for rising water.
Small streams and rivers can expect to rise significantly through Friday afternoon, NWS predicts.
3 Inches of Rain Expected in Schuylkill County Thursday
Accuweather.com predicts about 2.3 inches of rain will fall over Pottsville on Thursday, mostly in the afternoon and early evening.
Here are predictions from Accuweather for select locations around Schuylkill County:
- Pottsville: 2.37″
- Pine Grove: 2.28″
- Tamaqua: 2.21″
- Shenandoah: 2.25″
- Orwigsburg: 2.1″
The Weather Channel believes between 1-2 inches of rain will fall over the area on Thursday.
However, local weather forecaster Ryan Fannock, who runs East Central PA Weather Talk on Facebook and his own site, FannockWeather.org, says more rain could fall over higher elevations. In fact, he believes as much as 4 or 5 inches of rain could hit those areas on Thursday.
Even if the rain gauges aren’t tipped by that extreme prediction, the generally accepted belief that 2 inches could fall on Thursday is concerning. With so much rain in a short amount of time, flash flooding is a real concern today.
He says in a Facebook post Wednesday evening, “We all know how those small creeks and streams love to rapidly rise. Using the 2 inch example, if it was to rain over a 48 hour period that amount, the ground could absorb it. However, if that amount falls within an hour or two, it could be game on for flash flooding. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say I hope the totals are ‘only’ an inch or two.”
Adding to the mess could be some gusty winds through the day Thursday. Peak gusts could reach 40 mph at times.
Schuylkill County Weather Radar
Check out the local weather radar here: LIVE – Schuylkill County Weather Radar
Reminder: If you see flooding or breaking news in your area, be sure to snap a photo of it and tell us what’s happening by using our News Tips form. Just don’t compromise your safety or the safety of others while doing so: News Tips (and Photos) Hotline
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