Flash Floods Swamping Roads In The Northeast And Mid-Atlantic As Severe Thunderstorms Drop Heavy Rain
Heavy rain is expected to persist along the I-95 corridor throughout the afternoon and the evening commute, with the potential for more than 2 inches of rain per hour. Here's the latest on the impacts of the torrential rain.
(MORE: See The Full Forecast)
Maryland
Multiple water rescues were reported in Joppatowne, Maryland, about 40 minutes outside of Baltimore early Thursday afternoon. Photos on social media showed washed out streets, and officials have asked drivers not to attempt to drive through standing water. Emergency officials in Harford said northern parts of the county got 3 inches of rain in 30 minutes.
Baltimore City Schools dismissed their summer programs at 2 p.m. Thursday due to the flooding threat. By around 5 p.m. local time the rain was coming down at 3 to 5 inches an hour in the Baltimore area.
A ground stop was issued at Baltimore-Washington International Airport due to the storms, until at least 6 p.m.
Pennsylvania
In Reading, Pennsylvania, cars were seen stranded in rushing floodwaters Thursday afternoon. Flash flood warnings were in effect in parts of Berks, Bucks, Montogmery and Lehigh counties.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a State of Emergency ahead of the potential flash flooding across that state. Her announcement warned of as much as 7 inches of rain in some areas, along with damaging wind gusts.
By early Thursday afternoon, there were reports of flooding shutting down parts of highway US 22 in both directions in North Plainfield.
New York
In Queens, New York, vehicles were seen submerged along the Clearview Expressway. New York Police said the expressway was "fully closed" in both directions at North Boulevard. Heading into rush hour, significant portions of the borough were impassable due to flooding.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for New York City, and the surrounding counties. Gov. Hochul encouraged employers to dismiss workers early since the flooding was expected to impact the evening commute.
The Long Island Railroad announced on X that service was suspended in both directions on the Port Washington Branch line due to high water. Video shared on social media showed floodwaters pouring over a stairway at a station in Great Neck, New York.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority also warned subway and bus riders to give themselves extra time for their commutes because of the heavy rain.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.
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