Politics & Government

NWS Issues Tornado Watch For Bucks, Montgomery Counties

Flash Flood Warning Also In Effect Through Sunday Morning

The National Weather Service late Saturday issued a tornado watch for southeastern Bucks and Montgomery counties that remains in effect until 5 a.m. Sunday.

The NWS service said a flash flood warning is also in effect through Sunday morning for the region. Check here for more on that.

Other surrounding counties affected include northeastern Philadelphia County and northwestern Burlington County.

Find out what's happening in Levittownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The NWS said the tornado is expected to be near or in Bristol, Burlington, Levittown, Tullytown, Langhorne, Bensalem, Andalusia and Feasterville.

The NWS said the warning was issued based on Doppler radar readings indicating that a strong rotation was detected as Hurricane Irene makes its way through the region. The agency advises that a tornado may already be on the ground or may develop shortly.

Find out what's happening in Levittownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

People are advised to move and stay indoors near the lowest level of the building and stay away from windows. People who are driving should not seek shelter under a highway overpass.

The NWS said the safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement, under a workbench or other piece of sturdy furniture. Where there is no basement, the NWS advises people to seek shelter on the lowest floor of the building in an interior hallway or room such as a closet using blankets or pillows to cover the body while also staying away from windows.

Residents in mobile homes or vehicles are advised to evacuate and head indoors to a shelter, the NWS advises. If unable to make it to a shelter, NWS said people should lie flat in the nearest ditch or other low spot and cover their head with their hands.

Call the NWS at 1-877-633-6772 to report hail or strong winds if it’s safe to do so.


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