{"id":246137,"date":"2026-07-17T20:34:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T20:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/246137\/"},"modified":"2026-07-17T20:34:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T20:34:11","slug":"allentown-weather-flood-watch-issued-severe-storms-expected-saturday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/246137\/","title":{"rendered":"Allentown weather: Flood watch issued, severe storms expected Saturday"},"content":{"rendered":"

As wildfire smoke moves out of the Lehigh Valley<\/a>, severe weather is expected to take its place Saturday.<\/p>\n

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the region from Saturday morning through late Saturday night.<\/p>\n

Multiple rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day and evening Saturday. The storms could produce as much as 2-3 inches of rain within a short period of time, leading to the potential for flash flooding.<\/p>\n

Excessive runoff could result in flooding along creeks, streams and rivers, as well as in areas that are low-lying, have poor drainage or are in urban settings.<\/p>\n

A map shared by the weather service\u2019s forecast office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, shows the Lehigh Valley within a region that is at a high risk of excessive rainfall developing.<\/p>\n

Flooding won\u2019t be the only threat Saturday. The area is at an increased risk of severe weather, with a 30-44% chance of severe wind occurring, according to the weather service.<\/p>\n

\u201cA tornado or two\u201d is also possible, with a 5-9% chance of one developing over the region, according to the weather service\u2019s tornado outlook.<\/p>\n

Two rounds of storms are expected. The first wave might arrive before noon, with the second possible by Saturday evening.<\/p>\n

A significant event is looking more likely Saturday. Multiple rounds of storms expected, which may begin before noon and extend after sunset. There is a significant risk of wind damage, w\/ a notable risk of flooding & potential for tornadoes. See reply post for larger graphics. pic.twitter.com\/Q9JBGh6KJ5<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) July 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cA significant event is looking more likely Saturday,\u201d the Mount Holly forecast office warned Friday in a post on its social media channels. \u201cStay weather aware Saturday!\u201d<\/p>\n

Showers and thunderstorms will eventually weaken by late Saturday night, and Sunday should largely be clear.<\/p>\n

The rain and storms come at a good time, after smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota moved into the region Thursday, causing \u201cvery unhealthy\u201d and even \u201chazardous\u201d air quality<\/a>. However, the rain won\u2019t immediately clear out pollutant concentrations, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.<\/p>\n

While conditions have significantly improved throughout the day Friday, changing airflow will likely send surface smoke back into the area overnight into Saturday morning, according to the weather service forecast discussion.<\/p>\n

Air quality should finally moderate by Sunday, the weather service said.<\/p>\n

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Widespread smoke, mainly before 10 a.m. High near 83. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.<\/p>\n

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 66. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.<\/p>\n

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.<\/p>\n

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.<\/p>\n

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 82.<\/p>\n

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.<\/p>\n

Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.<\/p>\n

Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers. Low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 80%.<\/p>\n

Wednesday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 40%.<\/p>\n

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.<\/p>\n

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 83.<\/p>\n

What is the Lehigh Valley air quality like right now? How to check it near you<\/a><\/p>\n

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