PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The FOX43 Weather Team has issued a Weather Impact Alert as we track the remnants of once Hurricane Debby as it moves up the East Coast. The main threats for Central Pennsylvania with this storm are heavy rain and strong to severe storms.
Bands of rain started to move in late Thursday night and will continue through much of the day Friday.
FLOOD WATCH has been issued for our entire area through 6 p.m. Friday evening. Areas west of Harrisburg are expected to get the highest rain totals, though a soaking rain is expected area-wide. We are anticipating a widespread 2-4 inches of rain, though some spots that see multiple rounds of storms could be even higher than that.
Along with the potential for flooding on roadways, we'll need to watch creeks and streams as well. The National Weather Service is forecasting the Swatara Creek from Harper Tavern to Middletown to get near or above minor flood stage. We'll also closely monitor the Yellow Breeches and Conodoguinet creeks as water levels rise to action stage and near minor flood stage.
In addition to the flood threat, there is a low severe weather threat on Friday as Debby works north. We'll watch for a chance for strong to severe storms with damaging wind gusts and a brief, spin-up tornado possible. A TORNADO WATCH has been issued until 2 p.m. on Friday.
The biggest concern is around the capitol and points east, though everyone needs to stay weather aware through the day.
Rain and storms are expected to quickly taper off as we approach dinnertime.
We'll continue to watch river levels as we go into the weekend, but starting Saturday it is a dry forecast ahead with even a drop in the humidity.
You can find more details on the full extended forecast here.