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Record rainfall for Philadelphia

Tropical Storm Andrea made landfall Friday, flooding much of the Philadelphia region. The National Weather Service reported that about three inches of rain had fallen at Philadelphia International Airport as of 7:54 p.m. - more than in any single month since January, and the most in a single day since Sandy came roaring through the region.

Virginia Drive in Fort Washington has long been prone to flooding. The street was flooded in several locations on Friday, but that did not stop this person in a Nissan sedan. (CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer)
Virginia Drive in Fort Washington has long been prone to flooding. The street was flooded in several locations on Friday, but that did not stop this person in a Nissan sedan. (CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer)Read more

Tropical Storm Andrea made landfall Friday, flooding much of the Philadelphia region.

The National Weather Service reported that about three inches of rain had fallen at Philadelphia International Airport as of 7:54 p.m. - more than in any single month since January, and the most in a single day since Sandy came roaring through the region.

The amount of precipitation shattered the record for the date of June 7 - 1.79 inches, set in 1904.

About 50 families were displaced in Chester, where the American Red Cross set up a shelter at Showalter Junior High School, spokesman Dave Schrader said. As of 10 p.m., no one had come to the shelter, he said. "It seems many people are refusing to leave," he said.

The National Weather Service reported flooding in the Wissahickon Creek in Fort Washington, and in Philadelphia and Newtown Square. In Bucks County, the Neshaminy and Little Neshaminy Creeks flooded as well.

Philadelphia International said departing and arriving flights were delayed.

Cars were reported submerged in parts of South Jersey, though no injuries were immediately reported.

Heavy rain washed out Sprint Cup qualifying at Pocono Raceway, as cars never got on the track.

In its 5 p.m. advisory, the National Hurricane Center said Andrea had lost its tropical-storm status.

The rain is expected to stop Saturday, although a chance of showers remains in the forecast, according to AccuWeather Inc.