Did Someone Do The Rain Dance?
By Steven Strouss
After what was the wettest August on record, we are now on par for 2011 to become the wettest year ever in Philadelphia.
As of 6 p.m. today, the official rainfall amount in Philadelphia since January 1 was 50.66" and rising. The all time annual record in Philadelphia is 56.47" which was set back in 1996. With three months still to go, it is looking more and more likely that 2011 will drown that record.
Heavy rain is expected through tonight as a Flood Watch remains in effect. Rainfall will total two to three inches before this storm is over and there will be locally higher amounts. Flooding is a concern along the banks of small streams and creeks as they could rise above their flood stage. Large rivers should be able to handle the runoff from this event.
Meanwhile, "ponding" will be a concern on highways, streets and underpasses while areas of poor drainage have more significant flooding. If you see flooding, turn around...don't drown.
In the last three weeks alone, the Delaware Valley has sustained flooding rainfall from Hurricane Irene and remnants of Tropical Storm Lee. Now, a stalled cold front combined with a stubborn area of low pressure will bring us more rain chances for days to come. If you feel water logged consider this…
Hilo, Hawaii is the wettest city in the U.S. with an average annual rainfall above 125 inches. Among the 48 contiguous states, the wettest location is Quillayute, Washington, with an average annual rainfall above 100 inches.
We will not see rainfall amounts in this region near those extreme numbers, but perhaps it is time for someone to do the sun dance and I'm not talking about the film festival in Utah.
