R5: Expect Weather-Related Delays, Potential Flooding

SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale trains (formerly the R5 line) are moving at least 15 minutes behind schedule this afternoon, with heavy weather causing power outages and other problems.

Riders coming from Center City to stations up and down the Main Line, on local and express trains alike, will be affected during the evening rush hour.

Check with SEPTA's website and with Patch for updates, as the weather may worsen. This afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for late Wednesday night. An estitmated 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected, according to NWS.

Because of a low pressure system over North Carolina that will slowly move northwestward to the Ohio Valley, it will mean that "our region will experience a prolonged and moisture rich southeasterly flow that is likely to result in periods of moderate to heavy rain through Wednesday night," the NWS stated, adding that if this happens and stays stationary for a certain length of time, "the flood threat would locally become enhanced."

Flooding would first been seen in low-lying and poor drainage areas, which could quickly be followed by creeks and streams, stated the NWS.

Earlier this afternoon, the NWS issued a tornado warning for parts of Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties.

Showers and heavy thunderstorms are expected through the rest of Wednesday and through Friday night.