Flash-flood warning in effect for Philly region

The National Weather Service extended its flash-flood warning until 4 p.m. Saturday, saying Pennypack Creek was flooded by heavy rains that hit the region earlier.

Forecasters said there could be flooding along the Wissahickon Creek, too.

An earlier flash-flood warning had been issued until 11:15 a.m. for Philadelphia, parts of surrounding counties and parts of New Jersey.

The flooding was caused by torrential rains that hit the region early Saturday with the band of thunderstorms. As much as two inches of rain had fallen in the region by about 7:20 a.m., according to the NWS in Mount Holly, N.J.

Motorists were urged not to drive into flooded roads, since most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Power outages were reported in the Philadelphia region. A PECO spokeswoman said at about 10 a.m. that 4,600 customers lost power, including 3,700 in Montgomery County. In Philadelphia, fewer than 300 customers were without power, she said. Crews were working to restore power to those affected.

A Camden County spokesman, in a statement, said the severe weather and strong wind gusts that came through the county at about 6:30 a.m. knocked down trees and damaged residential properties. County work crews have been out since the end of the storm clearing roadways and making the streets passable for residents.

"At this time, we've had some trees come down across roadways, on top of homes and cars," Freeholder Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management, said in the statement. He added that the storm's worst effects were localized in the northern end of the county, affecting Collingswood and Haddon Township.

A PSE&G spokesman said when the morning storm started, 5,000 customers lost power in the state. That number was down to 1,400, including 800 in South Jersey, at about 11:30 a.m. after crews restored power to most customers.

New Jersey Transit experienced delays Saturday morning after a tree fell on its Atlantic City rail line between Lindenwold and Cherry Hill. A spokesman said at about 10 a.m. that the tree had been cleared and train service was resuming between Atlantic City and Philadelphia's 30th Street Station and back.