A slow moving low pressure system and a deep southerly flow from the Gulf of Mexico and then the Atlantic Ocean dropped heavy rain across Eastern Pennsylvania centered on April 30th. Event precipitation totals averaged from 3 to 6 inches, with the highest amounts in the Philadelphia suburbs. This caused poor drainage and creek and river flooding that reached major levels around the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Over 1,000 people had to be evacuated from flooded homes and apartments. The American Red Cross opened several shelters and comfort stations in Delaware and Chester Counties. Numerous water rescues and road closures occurred. the evening commute on April 30th and the morning commute on May 1st were greatly impacted. Regional commuter rail lines in and around Philadelphia had major delays. The Schuylkill River had its highest crest since Tropical Storm Floyd in September of 1999. Other creeks and rivers had their highest crest since Tropical Storm Irene in August of 2011. The steady rain began around noon EDT on April 29th. The rain fell at a fairly steady light to moderate pace until the 30th. Then, the rain fell heavy at times from the morning into the evening of April 30th. Rainfall amounts of around 2 inches fell in the six hour period from 2 p.m. EDT through 8 p.m. EDT on April 30th in the local Philadelphia area. The rain ended from south to north between Midnight EDT and 6 a.m. EDT on May 1st.
The heavy rain was caused by the combination of a strong high pressure system that built over the Canadian Maritimes that initiated the onshore flow and a strong, but slow moving low pressure system. The low pressure system was located in northwest Missouri on the morning of April 29th. It moved northeast to near Chicago during the afternoon of April 29th. The low pressure system then became nearly stationary in southern Wisconsin as its cold front reached Ohio early on April 30th. Then a new low pressure system developed on the frontal boundary and was over Eastern Tennessee on the morning of April 30th. The low pressure system reached West Virginia during the late afternoon on April 30th as its warm front started to move through Delmarva. The low pressure system reached north central Maryland at 11 p.m. EDT on April 30th as its warm front reached extreme southeast Pennsylvania and central New Jersey. The low pressure system reached the Allentown, Pennsylvania area at 5 a.m. EDT on May 1st and then was absorbed again into the frontal boundary associated with the original low as it moved into New York State that morning. The steady rain ended as the low pressure system passed north of Pennsylvania.

Flood in BUCKS, PENNSYLVANIA
From 01-MAY-14 00:00:00 to 01-MAY-14 11:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: CORNWELLS HGTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage and moderate to major creek flooding in Bucks County. Flooding along the Neshaminy Creek was the worst since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011.  Even moderate tidal flooding occurred on the night of April 30th along the Delaware River. An apartment building along the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek in Perkasie was evacuated because of flooding. Vehicles were stuck in flood waters in Bensalem Township. Townships reporting road closures due to flooding included Milford and New Britain.

The Neshaminy Creek at Langhorne had major flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 518 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 1232 p.m. EDT on May 1st.  It crested at 14.64 feet at 215 a.m. EDT on May 1st and was the highest crest since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011. The Little Neshaminy Creek at Neshaminy had minor flooding and was above its 8 foot flood stage from 507 p.m. EDT through 1147 p.m. EDT on April 30th. It crested at 9.07 feet at 900 p.m. EDT. The East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Dublin had moderate flooding and was above its 5 foot flood stage from 339 p.m. EDT through 740 p.m. EDT on April 30th. It crested at 6.82 feet at 545 p.m. EDT.
Event precipitation totals included 4.90 inches in Quakertown and Richlandtown, 4.82 inches in Warrington, 4.79 inches in Furlong, 4.57 inches in Warwick Township and 4.42 inches in Doylestown.

Flood in LEHIGH, PENNSYLVANIA
From 01-MAY-14 00:00:00 to 01-MAY-14 07:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST PENN JCT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Heavy rain caused poor drainage as well as some creek flooding in Lehigh County. The Little Lehigh Creek near Allentown had minor flooding and was above its 6 foot flood stage from 1025 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 815 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 6.31 feet at 445 a.m. EDT on May 1st.
Event precipitation totals included 4.29 inches in Schnecksville, 4.26 inches in Ancient Oaks, 4.01 inches in Trexlertown, 3.55 inches at the Allentown Airport, 3.54 inches in Slatington and 3.50 inches in Heidelberg Township.

Flood in MONTGOMERY, PENNSYLVANIA
From 01-MAY-14 00:00:00 to 01-MAY-14 22:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: STOWE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage, creek and river flooding throughout the county. More than forty major roadways were closed. There were twenty water rescues and over one hundred stranded vehicles. Numerous roads were closed. Creek and river flooding reached major category. Flooding along the Schuylkill River was the worst since Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16,1999 and flooding along the Perkiomen Creek was the worst since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011. Hardest hit municipalities included Bridgeport, Conshohocken, Springfield and Whitemarsh.
In West Norriton Township, flooding along the Schuylkill River surrounded several apartment buildings at Rivercrest and The Lofts. All the residents were sheltered in place. In Lower Providence Township (Eagleville), along the Schuylkill River, the garages of the Riverview Landing Apartments were flooded. In Conshohocken Borough, flooding from the Schuylkill River flooded apartments and a hotel on Washington Street. Residents were asked to voluntarily evacuate. In Skippack Township, vehicles were stuck on Pennsylvania State Route 73. The Skippack Creek also flooded. For about an hour during the evening rush on April 30th in Lower Merion Township, Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) eastbound was closed due to flooding between State Route 3050 (exit 337) and U.S. Route 1 southbound (exit 339).  Sections of U.S. Route 422 were also closed. SEPTA Regional rail service was suspended through May 1st on the Manayunk-Norristown line. Roadways were flooded and closed in many other townships. Townships reporting multiple roadway closures included Upper Moreland, Perkiomen, Whitemarsh, Horsham, Limerick, Norristown (U.S. Route 202) and Bridgeport.
The West Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Hillegass rose above its 5 foot flood stage from 330 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 115 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 5.23 feet at 5 p.m. EDT on April 30th.  The East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek at Schwenksville had moderate flooding and was above its 8 foot flood stage from 415 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 453 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 11.76 feet at 1230 a.m. EDT on May 1st.
The main stem of the Perkiomen Creek at East Greenville had minor flooding and was above its 4 foot flood stage from 202 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 924 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 6.02 feet at 730 p.m. EDT on April 30th.  Farther downstream, the Perkiomen Creek at Graterford had major flooding and was above its 11 foot flood stage from 319 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 906 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 16.02 feet at 1245 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 8th highest crest on record for the creek and the highest crest since August 28, 2011, associated with Tropical Storm Irene.
The Schuylkill River at Pottstown had minor flooding and was above its 12.5 foot flood stage from Midnight EDT through 131 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.90 feet at 830 a.m. EDT on May 1st.  Farther downstream, the Schuylkill River at Norristown had major flooding and was above its 13 foot flood stage from 331 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 1115 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 20.83 feet at 245 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 4th highest crest on record for the river and the highest crest since September 16, 1999, associated with Tropical Storm Floyd. The Wissahickon Creek at Fort Washington had major flooding and was above its 10 foot flood stage from 413 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 205 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.54 feet at 915 p.m. EDT on April 30th.
Event precipitation totals included 6.37 inches in Collegeville, 5.83 inches in Limerick, 5.71 inches in Pottstown, 5.67 inches in Perkiomenville, 5.58 inches in Harleysville and 5.45 inches in Elkins Park.

Flood in BERKS, PENNSYLVANIA
From 01-MAY-14 00:00:00 to 01-MAY-14 06:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: MANATAWNY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage and some creek flooding in Berks County. The heaviest rain fell in the eastern parts of Berks County. The Manatawny Creek at Spangsville had moderate flooding and was above its 6 foot flood stage from 304 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 736 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 7.16 feet at 8 p.m. EDT on April 30th.
Event precipitation totals included 5.69 inches in Boyertown, 4.63 inches in Washington Township, 4.33 inches in Reading, 4.27 inches in Alburtis, 4.15 inches in Mohnton, 3.96 inches in Oley, 3.87 inches in Kutztown, 3.79 inches in Wyomissing and 3.66 inches at the Reading Airport.

Flood in CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA
From 01-MAY-14 00:00:00 to 02-MAY-14 02:07:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAIRVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.40M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage and moderate to major creek and river flooding throughout Chester County. Two apartment complexes had to be evacuated. Over one hundred roadways were flooded and closed. More than sixty-five people were rescued from trapped vehicles. Three people trapped in their homes by flood waters were rescued. Flooding along the main stem of the Brandywine Creek was the worst since Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16, 1999. Other flooding was the worst since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011.

In Avondale Borough, flooding along the East Branch of the White Clay Creek forced the evacuation of 300 residents in the Avondale Apartments on First Street late on the afternoon of April 30th. Residents were able to return on the morning of May 1st. In Modena Borough, flooding along the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek forced the evacuation of 400 residents of the Meredith Court Apartments during the early evening on April 30th. They were permitted to return on the morning of May 1st. Shelters were opened for the evacuees. In East Coventry Township, the Pigeon Creek overflowed and forced the closure of Halteman and Kolp Roads.   U.S. Route 1 was closed in both directions between Pennsylvania State Route 52 (Lenape Rd.) in East Marlborough Township and U.S. Route 202 (Wilmington Pike) in Chadds Ford Township in Delaware County.
The West Branch of the Brandywine Creek at Honey Brook had moderate flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 329 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 451 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 9.08 feet at 730 p.m. EDT on April 30th. Farther downstream, the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek at Coatesville had minor flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 329 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 522 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 8.45 feet at 1200 a.m. EDT on May 1st. Farther downstream, the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek at Modena had moderate flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 349 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 408 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 10.63 feet at 545 p.m. EDT on April 30th.
The East Branch of the Brandywine Creek at Downingtown had major flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 500 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 307 a.m. EDT on May 2nd. It crested at 13.50 feet at 915 p.m. EDT on April 30th. This was historically the 5th highest crest on record for the creek and the highest crest since August 28, 2011, associated with Tropical Storm Irene.
The main stem of the Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford had major flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 505 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 1123 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 16.05 feet at 245 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 3rd highest crest on record for the creek and the highest crest since September 16, 1999, associated with Tropical Storm Floyd.
The Red Clay Creek at Kennett Square was above its 7.5 foot flood stage from 535 p.m. EDT through 1108 p.m. EDT on April 30th. It crested at 8.55 feet at 7 p.m. EDT on April 30th, the 7th highest crest on record.  The White Clay Creek at Strickersville was above its 9.5 foot flood stage from 505 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 208 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.11 feet at 915 p.m. EDT on April 30th, the 5th highest crest on record and the highest since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28th.  The French Creek at Phoenixville was above its 8 foot flood stage from 1258 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 147 p.m. EDT on the 1st.  It crested at 9.40 feet at 345 p.m. EDT on April 30th.  The Schuylkill River at Pottstown had minor flooding and was above its 12.5 foot flood stage from Midnight EDT through 131 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.90 feet at 830 a.m. EDT on May 1st.
Event precipitation totals included 6.56 inches in Spring City, 6.39 inches in East Nantmeal, 6.16 inches in Unionville, 6.15 inches in Nottingham, 5.91 inches in West Grove and 5.65 inches in Landenberg.

Flood in DELAWARE, PENNSYLVANIA
From 01-MAY-14 00:00:00 to 01-MAY-14 22:23:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARCUS HOOK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage and moderate to major creek flooding throughout Delaware County. States of Emergency were declared in Chester City, Darby Borough and Marple Township. Flooding along the main stem of the Brandywine Creek was the worst since Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16, 1999.  Even moderate tidal flooding occurred along the Delaware River on the night of April 30th.
Flooding along Chester Creek forced the evacuation of around 60 homes and 250 residents in the Parker Manor Section of Chester City. The American Red Cross assisted with opening shelters. Farther upstream, Brookhaven Borough recommended evacuations along Chester Creek Road. At the Kerlin Street Bridge, the creek was almost completely blocked by debris. The borough opened a welcome, warming center at the Borough Hall. Darby Borough declared an emergency as the Darby Creek flooded. Road closures included McDade, Springfield, New Walnut, Pine, 9th, Chestnut, 12th, 13th and 14th streets. A shelter was opened at the Darby Borough Recreation Center. U.S. Route 1 was closed in both directions between U.S. Route 202 (Wilmington Pike) in Chadds Ford Township to Pennsylvania State Route 52 (Lenape Rd.) in East Marlborough Township, in Chester County.

The main stem of the Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford had major flooding and was above its 9 foot flood stage from 505 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 1123 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 16.05 feet at 245 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 3rd highest crest on record for the creek and the highest crest since September 16, 1999, associated with Tropical Storm Floyd.
The Chester Creek at Chester had moderate flooding and was above its 8 foot flood stage from 211 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 442 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 13.70 feet at 900 p.m. EDT on April 30th. The Crum Creek at Newtown Square had moderate flooding and was above its 6 foot flood stage from 152 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 200 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 9.55 feet at 815 p.m. EDT on April 30th.
Event precipitation totals included 5.56 inches in Wayne, 5.55 inches in Lansdowne, 5.52 inches in Drexel Hill and Broomall and 4.38 inches in Media.

Flood in PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
From 01-MAY-14 00:00:00 to 01-MAY-14 17:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: (PHL)PHILADELPHIA IN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Very heavy rain caused widespread poor drainage, moderate to major creek and river flooding in Philadelphia. Flooding along the Schuylkill River was the worst since Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16, 1999.  Even moderate tidal flooding occurred on the night of April 30th. The flooding also affected regional rail lines as SEPTA service was suspended through May 1st between Manayunk and Norristown. Air travel was no better at Philadelphia International Airport as flight delays reached around two hours at the height of the storm and one third of all arriving and departing flights were cancelled on April 30th. In Manayunk, three people were rescued from the top of a SEPTA bus as Main Street was severely flooded. Residents were evacuated from an apartment complex on the river. Road closures included Martin Luther King, Kelly and Lincoln Drives.
The worst damage to city structures occurred at the Water Works facility and to the Gorgas Bridge on Forbidden Drive. About thirty residents on Venice Island Lofts suffered heavy apartment flooding and about thirty vehicles were towed. The paper factory on Venice Island was also damaged. The Manayunk Brewery suffered significant damage and was closed for several weeks as were some of its neighboring businesses. The Green Towne Montessori School was also heavily flooded. The water department responded to over 100 reports of residential basement flooding.

The Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue had moderate flooding and twice rose above its 7 foot flood stage, first from 257 p.m. EDT through 323 p.m. EDT on April 30th with a crest of 7.28 feet at 315 p.m. EDT. The Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue again rose above its flood stage from 453 p.m. EDT through 837 p.m. EDT on April 30th, with moderate flooding occurring and a higher crest of 9.50 feet at 615 p.m. EDT. The Pennypack Creek at the Rhawn Street Bridge had major flooding and was above its 7 foot flood stage from 307 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 530 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 12.03 feet at Midnight EDT on May 1st. It was the 6th highest crest on record and the highest since Tropical Storm Irene on August 28, 2011.

The Wissahickon Creek at its mouth had moderate flooding and was above its 5 foot flood stage from 405 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 837 a.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 8.30 feet at 1200 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was the highest crest recorded since September 8, 2011.  The Schuylkill River at Philadelphia had moderate flooding and was above its 11 foot flood stage from 624 p.m. EDT on April 30th through 626 p.m. EDT on May 1st. It crested at 13.91 feet at 400 a.m. EDT on May 1st. This was historically the 7th highest crest on record for the river and the highest crest since September 17, 1999 associated with Tropical Storm Floyd.

The onshore flow that started on April 29th caused minor tidal flooding in Philadelphia with both high tide cycles on April 30th.  But, the combination of the residual onshore flow and the freshwater runoff caused moderate tidal flooding with the high tide cycle early on May 1st. The high tide in Philadelphia reached 9.94 feet above mean lower low water. Moderate tidal flooding starts at 9.2 feet above mean lower low water. This was the 7th highest tide on record in Philadelphia.
Event precipitation totals included 5.45 inches in Rockledge, 4.91 inches at the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, 4.87 inches in Somerton and Philadelphia and 4.81 inches at the Philadelphia International Airport.