Strong storm brings flash-flood risk to the Northeast through Thursday
A powerful storm system moving from the Great Lakes to the Northeast could produce up to a month’s worth of rain in a few days, prompting flash-flood warnings across the region.
A vigorous storm system that began producing severe thunderstorms over the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley on Monday is expected to move into the Northeast on Tuesday, where it will slow and intensify through Thursday. Meteorologists say the system could deliver rainfall rates of an inch or more per hour, potentially dropping one to four inches of rain across much of the area, with higher totals where rain bands stall.
The National Weather Service in Boston warned that urban areas and locations with poor drainage are most vulnerable to flash flooding, and travel disruptions are likely at airports and on roads. The New York tri-state area to Philadelphia faces the greatest risk on Tuesday night, while southern New England, including Boston and Hartford, may see the most expansive threat on Wednesday. New York City will also remain at risk throughout the period.
In addition to heavy rain, the storm could bring strong wind gusts capable of knocking out power and downing trees, particularly in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions. Isolated tornadoes are also possible, with one reported in northeast Wisconsin on Monday.
The system is expected to weaken and move out of the Northeast on Friday, though scattered showers may linger. Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and follow local advisories.