Flash Flood Warning Issued for Philadelphia Area as DNC Begins

iStockphoto.com MihailUlianikov

The National Weather service has issued a flash flood warning for the Philadelphia area as of 7:17 p.m., as thousands have descended upon the city for the first day of the Democratic National Convention.

When the warning was issued, two inches of rain had already fallen in and around the city. The warning is in effect until 11:15 p.m. In addition to Philadelphia, the warning is in place for parts of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania and parts of Burlington and Camden counties in New Jersey.

Many protesters and onlookers have gathered outside the Wells Fargo Center where the Convention is currently taking place.

According to the warning, “In addition to large hail and damaging winds … frequent ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Remember … if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightening.”

Earlier today, with extreme heat predicted for the week, and thunderstorms in the forecast, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross told reporters, “We’re worried about everyone involved.”