Phoenixville Braces for More Bad Weather

The Phoenixville Office of Emergency Management took to Facebook Wednesday to alert area residents to potential weather-related problems because of predicted storms on Thursday.

Around 10:30 p.m., the office posted a note on Facebook alerting residents to the potential for the Schuylkill River to crest above flood stage on Thursday.

Predictions are for the river to crest at Norristown at 14 feet. Flood stage is 13 feet.

We are still expecting significant rain - approximately 2.5 inches, which may cause some flash flooding so please be careful as you drive (Thursday). We remind you not to drive through water on the roadway if you feel you can't make it. And never drive around barricades, they're there for your protection. Because of the high winds we are expecting, prepare yourself for possible power outages.

The Facebook posts urged people to be aware and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature dishes up, but the Office of Emergency Management emphasized that while there is severe weather in the forecast, there is no need to panic, but rather use common sense.  "Please understand, this information is just that - information. It's not intended to be a fire and brimstone weather report, we just want to be sure you're as informed as possible on what MAY happen and how to prepare."

"We are still expecting significant rain - approximately 2.5 inches, which may cause some flash flooding so please be careful as you drive (Thursday).

We remind you not to drive through water on the roadway if you feel you can't make it. And never drive around barricades, they're there for your protection. Because of the high winds we are expecting, prepare yourself for possible power outage."

If power should go out at your home during intense weather:

• The Office of Emergency Management says "do not call 9-1-1 and tie up the emergency lines unless you have a friend, neighbor or loved one who will need immediate medical assistance.
• Please call PECO direct at 800.841.4141."

The American Red Cross website outlines steps to take to prepare before a storm and what to do if your power goes out.

The National Weather Service Forecast for Phoenixville predicts almost certain heavy rain for Thursday:

• Thursday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds, gusty winds, and heavy rain. High near 77. Southeast wind 7 to 11 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Thursday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then a chance of showers. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy, with a northwest wind around 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Friday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy, with a north wind 17 to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
• Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
• Saturday Sunny, with a high near 78.
• Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
• Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
• Sunday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 30%.