Heavy rains and high winds will impact Pennsylvania Tuesday

Wind advisories have been issued throughout Pennsylvania, with a flood watch taking effect Tuesday afternoon in the eastern part of the state. Rains could total 4 inches in some areas.

Fresh off a snowy weekend throughout much of the state, Pennsylvania will receive another blast of winter weather on Tuesday, this round of the extremely wet and windy variety.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon for much of Eastern Pa. The risk for flooding is possible due to the ground remaining very saturated following multiple rounds of heavy rainfall over the last month. 

A wind advisory is also in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday through 3 a.m. Wednesday in the region, with sustained winds of 35 mph and gusts reaching 55 mph predicted. The high winds paired with the saturated grounds increases the potential for downed trees and power lines.

As of Tuesday morning, the NWS is calling for 2 to 3 inches of rain from the Lehigh Valley up past the Poconos, with up to 4 inches possible in some areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The NWS is calling for 1.5 to 2 inches of rain from Berks County into the greater Philadelphia area. 

The rest of the state will also be impacted. Snow began falling across Central Pa. Tuesday morning. According to the NWS, the snow will transition to heavy rain this afternoon in the region and wind gusts will increase throughout the day. A coating to 2 inches of snow is predicted, followed by 1-2 inches of rain. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph.

In Western Pa., a mix of snow and rain in the early morning is expected to give way to high winds. The NWS has issued a wind advisory for much of the area from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., with gusts expected to reach 50 mph. A high wind warning is in effect for areas around Latrobe and Uniontown, with wind gusts of up to 60 mph possible.

Check back for updates on this developing story.