Strong Wind — Chester, Pennsylvania

2010-09-30 · Chester, Pennsylvania

Wider weather episode

The combination of strong south to southeast winds during the day and evening on the 30th and periods of heavy rain downed weak trees, tree limbs and wires in Southeastern Pennsylvania. An automobile accident with a downed tree in Chester County claimed the life of one man. PECO Energy reported that 119,000 of its customers lost power. Peak wind gusts averaged 40 to 45 mph. The combination of the southeast winds and fresh water runoff also caused widespread minor tidal flooding during the evening high tide along the tidal sections of the Delaware River and its tributaries on the 30th.

In Chester County, a 47-year-old man was killed after his Sports Utility Vehicle spun off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and slammed into a downed tree. Downed trees blocked roadways in Coatesville and East Bradford. Downed wires closed a roadway on West Chester. In Delaware County, downed trees were reported in Havertown. in Philadelphia, a downed tree forced SEPTA to suspend service on one commuter rail line on the evening of the 30th. Delays at Philadelphia International Airport reached up to two hours because of the wind and rain.

The early evening high tide reached 8.59 feet above mean lower low water in Philadelphia. Minor tidal flooding starts at 8.2 feet above mean lower low water while moderate tidal flooding starts at 9.2 feet above mean lower low water. Peak wind gusts included 44 mph at the Philadelphia International Airport.

The strong wind was caused by the pressure difference between a high pressure system off the Eastern Seaboard and a low pressure system that moved from North Carolina north into Pennsylvania during the day on the 30th. As the initial low pressure system weakened and the frontal boundary moved closer to New Jersey, winds diminished overnight on the 30th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 262045. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.