PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Severe rain and thunderstorms on Thursday led to flood watches and warnings across the region. South Jersey was hit particularly hard for the second time this week.
According to the National Weather Service, Thursday’s rainfall demolished a more than 70-year-old rainfall record. By the afternoon, NWS measured 2.4 inches of rainfall; the previous high was 1.79 in 1952.
NWS meteorologist Ray Martin said that rain right on the heels of Monday’s storms made flooding more likely.
“The soils are definitely more moist and more prone to flooding,” he said. “The rivers and reservoirs have also picked up noticeably, and that means we have less storage capabilities for the excess rain.”
It’s been a real issue for Camden. Dan Keashen, public affairs director for the Camden County Commissioners, said the city experienced about a month’s worth of rain in four days.
“It’s significant, and we want people to recognize that fact. This shouldn’t be just business as usual,” he said.
Despite the fact that officials prepared for Thursday’s storms by clearing out inlets and street drains, Keashen said residents should employ caution on their morning commute. Follow the old adage: Turn around, don’t drown.
“It’s very hard to judge whether you may get stuck in your car in a flooded roadway, and not be able to see a current that could carry you away,” he said.
Camden was hit particularly hard for the second time this week
Camden was hit particularly hard for the second time this week
