Allentown, Pa. — A flash flood warning has been issued for Eastern Lehigh County and central Northampton County because of heavy rainfall in the area.
The warning, issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, is in effect until 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
- A flash flood warning has been issued for Eastern Lehigh County and central Northampton County
- The National Weather Service said up to 2.5 inches of rain already have fallen in the area
- An additional 1-2 inches is expected this evening
According to the weather service, up to 2.5 inches of rain already has fallen in the area, and additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected throughout the evening.
Hail also fell in the warned areas.
The thunderstorms could lead to rapid flooding of streams and creeks as well as flooding in low-lying areas.
Flash Flood Warning including Allentown PA, Bethlehem PA and Emmaus PA until 5:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/ehySYeDx9l
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) April 15, 2023
The warning specifically includes Allentown and the surrounding areas, including Bethlehem, Emmaus, Northampton, Hellertown and Nazareth.
Affected highways include Interstate 78 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 56 and 69 and Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 46 and 53.
Residents are advised to avoid driving or walking in flood waters given that "most flood deaths occur in vehicles," according to the weather service.
