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Weekend rain eases drought fears

Much-needed rain fell across the region over the last three days, although storms also brought strong gusts that led to some toppled trees and downed wires.

Much-needed rain fell across the region over the last three days, although storms also brought strong gusts that led to some toppled trees and downed wires.

A downed tree closed Lincoln Drive in East Falls this morning, and several thousands Peco customers lost power Sunday in Philadelphia.

Gusts of more than 40 m.p.h. were reported all along the Jersey Shore.

Philadelphia got about two inches of rain over the weekend, as recorded at the airport, according to meteorologist Dean Iovino of the National Weather Service.

That put a dent in the moisture deficit, which as of Friday stood at about five inches below normal for March and April, six inches behind for the year.

Across the region, amounts reported from Sunday to Monday morning ranged from 1.44 inches in Pitman, Gloucester County, to 2.87 inches in East Holmdel, Monmouth County, N.J.

West Chester got 2.41 inches, and Newark, Del., got 2.2.

"If we start getting some rain on a regular basis, we should be all right," Iovino said.

Although rain is mentioned in the forecast for the next three days, the amounts are likely to be little and the chances are low, at least until Thursday, he said.

"I think we could see some sunshine on Wednesday," he said.

Highs for the next few days should be about 60, with lows in the 40s.

For more on the forecast, go to http://go.philly.com/weather.