Forecasters are closely monitoring a powerful winter storm that is expected to hit the Lehigh Valley, bringing with it heavy rainfall and the potential for widespread flooding. According to AccuWeather, the storm is anticipated to dump up to 4 inches of rain and produce wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

The National Weather Service has already issued a flood watch, effective from 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9th, until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10th, for Northampton and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Warren County in New Jersey. This watch also extends to several surrounding areas, including more than a dozen Pennsylvania counties, and portions of New Jersey and Delaware.

The flood watch highlights the risk of excessive runoff and potential flooding in low-lying and flood-prone locations, including rivers, creeks, and streams. Creeks and streams in the area are already running high and could worsen with the arrival of heavy rain.

The storm is arriving on the heels of record rainfall in December, compounding the saturation of the ground. This, coupled with the potential for heavier hourly rainfall rates during Tuesday night, creates a heightened risk of flooding, especially in urban areas. The combination of snowmelt from the previous winter storm and increased precipitation further intensifies the flooding threat in northeast Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey.

According to the forecast, the Lehigh Valley may experience a brief mix of wintry precipitation between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday, with high temperatures reaching the upper 40s. The chance of precipitation is pegged at 90%, and any potential snow accumulation is expected to be minimal.

As the storm progresses, Tuesday evening is predicted to bring heavy downpours with a low temperature around 43 degrees. A southeast wind of 20 to 25 mph, shifting to southwest after midnight, is expected with gusts of up to 40 mph. Tuesday night carries a 100% chance of precipitation, with new amounts ranging between 1 to 2 inches.

The inclement weather may lead to power outages, and the strong wind gusts could even produce thunderstorms, according to the weather service. Rainfall is projected to taper off on Wednesday, though gusty winds of up to 40 mph are expected to persist.

The forecast for Wednesday includes a high temperature near 47 degrees, with rain likely in the morning and a slight chance of showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. The chance of precipitation is around 60%, with new amounts of less than a tenth of an inch anticipated.

Looking ahead, Thursday promises drier conditions with mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 45 degrees. The evening is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low temperature around 31 degrees.

In addition to this approaching storm, meteorologists are also closely monitoring another strong storm threat expected for the upcoming weekend. This system could bring yet another round of heavy precipitation to the region, warranting continued attention and preparedness.

Residents of the Lehigh Valley are advised to stay updated on weather advisories, heed flood warnings, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this inclement weather episode.