Severe weather is unfolding across parts of southeast Pennsylvania, where the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning through 6:30 p.m. EDT today, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The alert was released at 5:52 p.m. and is affecting Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.
Tornado spotted near Bryn Athyn, moving east
According to meteorologists with the National Weather Service, as of 5:52 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of generating a tornado was located near Bryn Athyn, about 10 miles northeast of Philadelphia, and tracking east at 30 mph.
The storm has the potential to produce dangerous flying debris, capable of causing serious harm to anyone without immediate shelter. Mobile homes face a high risk of destruction, and significant damage to roofs, vehicles, and windows is likely. Tree damage is also expected.
Areas at risk include Philadelphia, Trenton, and surrounding towns
The warning covers a densely populated corridor including Philadelphia, Trenton, Bensalem, Ewing, Bristol, Hatboro, Yardley, Newtown, Langhorne, Tullytown, Ivyland, Feasterville-Trevose, Richboro, Northeast Philadelphia, and Levittown. Residents in these zones should take immediate protective action.
“Take cover now,” urges the weather service
The National Weather Service stresses: “Take cover now!” Those in the warned area are urged to move immediately to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows at all costs. If you’re outdoors, in a vehicle, or in a mobile home, seek the nearest shelter immediately and shield yourself from flying debris.
The cluster of storms is also producing torrential rainfall, increasing the threat of flash flooding. Never attempt to drive through flooded roads, even if water levels appear shallow.
Tornado watch vs. tornado warning: know the difference
A tornado watch signals that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes. It’s a time to stay alert, review safety plans, and be ready to act. A tornado warning, however, means that a tornado has either been sighted or indicated by radar — it is an immediate and active threat to life and property.
Tornado watches are typically issued by the Storm Prediction Center, often covering large regions. In contrast, tornado warnings are issued by local forecast offices, targeting smaller areas, often single cities or counties.
Remain weather-aware through the evening
This is an evolving situation, and further warnings or extensions could be issued with little notice. Stay connected to local news, your NOAA Weather Radio, and smartphone alerts to receive updates in real-time.
The atmosphere over Southeast Pennsylvania remains unstable this evening, with dangerous thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts. As of now, conditions remain hazardous for anyone caught without shelter.
Stay tuned to local alerts for updates and any new warnings issued as this severe weather event continues to unfold over Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties.
