UPPER MT. BETHEL TWP., Pa. – As late July storms roll in, people around the region are trying to stay dry.
Scattered downpours formed puddles, decreased visibility and soggy grounds in the Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.
Heavy rain led to flooding in some parts of the region and could lead to more as the night goes on.
In Lehigh County, a car could be seen submerged in flooded waters and stuck on the Route 378, just after 8th Avenue in Bethlehem.
More puddles formed in areas of Coopersburg, Upper Saucon and Lower Saucon Townships.
In part of Monroe County and a small part of Northern Northampton County, a tornado threat was issued for a brief period, urging campers like Aaron Coleman to seek shelter immediately.
“It was terrifying. I mean, it was absolutely so terrifying,” said Coleman.
Coleman waved goodbye to his home in Easton for the summer and is spending it inside a camper in the Poconos.
But the threat for a tornado wasn’t on the summer bucket list.
“I noticed that it did get extremely dark very quick,” Coleman said.
The view from Coleman’s camper is usually much brighter.
“In that moment you’re kind of like, ‘what do I do, what do I take?'” said Coleman.
Wallet and golf cart keys in hand.
Coleman said he hopped on a golf cart and went to a nearby camp store, seeking shelter inside the concrete cinder block building.
“At that moment, you’re scared, you’re panicked, you’re like, is it behind me? Is it coming right towards us?” Coleman said.
A similar situation a few weeks ago left damage and debris around Coleman’s campsite.
“It was like, ‘I got to get out of this camper. I can’t not. I’m not going to wait this one out.’ Obviously, I think you’re just in such a like state of shock because we’re not typically used to tornadoes in our area,” said Coleman.
As the storms pick up into Tuesday evening, folks around the region are forced to break out the rain gear and keep their eyes on the skies.