Philly region under flash flood watch

The Philadelphia region remains under a flash flood watch.

The watch from the National Weather Service covers the bulk of the region and is in effect through this evening. In Burlington County, a flood warning -- meaning flooding is imminent -- was issued for the North Branch Rancocas Creek in Pemberton Borough.

The weather service says "one or two more periods of torrential rain" are expected by evening. However, the threat of major storms is less than the past several days. Showers and thunderstorms appear most likely between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Scattered storms have moved through the area on a near-daily basis since last week. On Monday, heavy rains were reported in some areas, particularly in Montgomery County: 3.33 inches fell in Royersford, 3.1 inches in Palm, 2.29 inches in Lansdale, 2.09 inches in Graterford and 2.05 inches in Souderton.

The frequent storms have also raised water levels in area streams, creeks and rivers, contributing to two boys getting swept into Pennypack Creek on Monday afternoon. An 11-year-old boy was rescued, but his 13-year-old brother remains missing and crews are expected to continue searching for him today.

In northern New Jersey on Monday, a tornado touched down and caused extensive tree damage in Union County.

The repeated showers last week led to a June rainfall record in Philadelphia.

The potential for yet more rain and thunderstorms continues Wednesday and Thursday, forecasters say, but the odds of precipitation are significantly lower.

The high temperature today is expected to reach 84 degrees.