Severe Storms and Heavy Rain Across the East Coast

A stormy end to the week is taking shape for parts of the eastern U.S., where rounds of thunderstorms could bring torrential rain, localized flash flooding and damaging winds, and tornadoes. 

The greatest concern Thursday stretches across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, including several major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor. Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City are among the areas where periods of heavy rain could affect millions of residents and create problems for the evening commute. 

A cold front moving east will provide the trigger for showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. With plenty of moisture available, some storms will be capable of producing a large amount of rain in a short period of time. 

Urban communities will be particularly vulnerable. Heavy downpours can quickly overwhelm storm drains, leaving streets, underpasses, and other low-lying areas flooded. Areas that experience multiple storms could see the flooding risk increase as the ground becomes increasingly saturated.

 Severe thunderstorms are another concern as the front approaches. Portions of the Mid-Atlantic could experience storms capable of producing strong to damaging wind gusts.

The unsettled weather will gradually shift south as the week comes to an end. By Friday, the focus for heavier rainfall and thunderstorms is expected to extend from parts of Virginia and North Carolina toward the Delmarva Peninsula and portions of South Carolina. 

The front could linger near the East Coast rather than quickly clearing the region, allowing additional showers and storms to develop into the start of the weekend. Several inches of rain could accumulate in some locations, especially where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same areas. If a roadway is covered by water, drivers should turn around and find another route. The depth of floodwater can be difficult to determine, and even relatively shallow moving water can create hazardous conditions for vehicles. Tune into WeatherNation TV for more details.