Severe storms cause flash floods, travel disruptions across New York and Mid-Atlantic

A severe thunderstorm watch covering more than 10 million residents in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia was issued, warning of damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain. The storm system moved eastward, bringing torrential downpours to New Jersey, southern New York and Connecticut, where up to three inches of rain fell in a few hours, overwhelming drainage systems and prompting flash-flood rescues and road closures, including a total shutdown of NY 100 in Westchester County.

New York City Emergency Management activated its Flash Flood Emergency Plan, urging residents, especially those in basements, to secure property and move to higher ground. Officials advised commuters to allow extra travel time as the main line of storms was expected to hit the metropolitan area between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., coinciding with the evening commute.

Air travel was severely impacted, with more than 4,800 flight disruptions nationwide, including over 1,560 cancellations and thousands of delays, as the Federal Aviation Administration imposed ground stops at major eastern hubs. Travelers were urged to verify flight status before heading to airports.

In Ulster County, a passenger bus overturned on the New York State Thruway, injuring several passengers but no life-threatening injuries, prompting traffic backups of several miles. Authorities asked drivers to avoid the area while investigations continue.

"The combination of muggy air, high dew points and strong mid-level winds is creating an environment ripe for damaging storms and flash flooding," said a Storm Prediction Center meteorologist.

Overall, more than 26 million people from Tennessee to the Northeast were placed under flood alerts as the multi-round storm system continued to produce heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated tornadoes across the region.