Flood watch as strong storm takes aim on area

A flood watch is in effect for Southeastern Pennsylvania this afternoon and into this evening as a strong storm heads toward the Philadelphia area.

The National Weather Service says up to three-quarters of an inch of rain could fall before the storm ends late tonight, boosting the total for what is already the wettest year in record in Philadelphia.

That would be more than a half-foot of snow, if it were colder. Instead, the NWS says the high today will be near 52.

The rain is expected to start falling around noon and get heavier as the day progresses.

The flood watch, which also covers northern Delaware, goes into effect at 3 p.m. and the weather service is warning roadway flooding could affect the evening rush hour even though traffic probably will be lighter because of post-Christmas vacations.

In addition, the weather service has issued a wind advisory for gusts of up to 45 mph for southern Delaware and the New Jersey coast.

After the storm passes through, there is no precipitation in the forecast for the rest of the year.

Highs will be mostly in the 40s, except for Friday, when it is forecast to reach 52.

The New Year's Eve forecast calls for partly cloudy skies at night with a low around 36.

On New Year's Day, the Mummers should have partly sunny skies with a high near 50, the NWS says.

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