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Flood Watch: Strong Storms Expected

For the last several days the air around here has been swollen with moisture, and now it appears that some of it will be wrung out of the atmosphere later today and this evening.

For the last several days the air around here has been swollen with moisture, and now it appears that some of it will be wrung out of the atmosphere later today and this evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash-flood watch for Philadelphia and its four Pennsylvania suburban counties.

A pulse of very moist air, combined with increasing instability, could set off heavy thunderstorms with rain amounts up to 2 inches, according to weather service hydrologist Raymond Kruzdlo.

The rain wouldn't be totally unwelcomed. Despite some weekend showers, rainfall amounts in Philadelphia are officially well less than half of normal for the month.

PECO Energy is on alert for the potential of strong storms, particularly in the Phladelphia suburbs, said spokesman Mike Wood.

With the heat and humidity, PECO's business has picked up this week, Wood said. Yesterday the utility hit a yearly high for electricity, he said.

Demand peaked at 7,325 megawatts, only the third time it has crested past 7,000 this season. By contrast, last summer demand went over 8,000 three times and 7,000, 17 times.

Contact Anthony R. Wood at 610-313-8210 or twood@phillynews.com