Severe thunderstorms expected across the Northeast with flash-flood risk
Heavy storms forecast for Thursday could produce rainfall rates over 2 inches per hour and up to 5 inches of rain, prompting thunderstorm and flood watches from New York to Washington, D.C.
More than 38 million residents from Syracuse to Washington, D.C. are preparing for severe weather on Thursday, including flash flooding, damaging winds, large hail and a possible tornado threat. The National Weather Service predicts heavy thunderstorms along the Interstate 95 corridor, with rainfall rates that could exceed 2 inches per hour and total accumulations of up to 5 inches in some locations.
Storms are expected to develop around 1 p.m. and persist as scattered showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening. The most intense period is projected for New York City between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with the activity moving to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for New Jersey, New York City, parts of Long Island, Philadelphia and Dover, Delaware, through 8 p.m., and a flood watch covers the broader region.