New York, NY – Showers and thunderstorms battered the Interstate 95 corridor Wednesday, bringing heavy rainfall and flash flood threats from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast.
The storms were triggered by a nearly stationary cold front stretching across the region, combined with a surge of Gulf moisture pushing northward. Rainfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour were expected in the strongest storm cells, with some areas potentially receiving up to 4 inches of rain.
Flash Flooding Hits Higher Terrain
The Poconos, Catskills, and Appalachian Mountains were particularly vulnerable to flash flooding, as steep terrain accelerates runoff, making flash floods more dangerous and harder to predict.
By the time the storm activity eased, nearly every major highway along the I-95 corridor was experiencing significant delays, which continued into the evening.
Deadly Flash Flooding Strikes Tennessee
While storms in the Northeast caused major travel disruptions, Tennessee was still reeling from deadly flooding that occurred Tuesday evening as per Fox Weather.
Officials confirmed that flash flooding in the southern part of the state claimed the lives of at least three people, with one person still missing. Weather stations in Chattanooga recorded more than half a foot of rain overnight, overwhelming drainage systems and turning some roadways into rivers.
Travel Chaos and Water Rescues
The heavy rain flooded roads, submerged neighborhoods, and forced multiple water rescues, including operations along Interstate 24, which was closed for an extended period.
Flood Watches were issued across central and eastern Tennessee Wednesday, as additional thunderstorms threatened to dump more rain in already-soaked areas.
How to Keep Yourself Safe in Such Weather
The National Weather Service warns that six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and just 12 inches of floodwater is enough to stall or sweep away some vehicles.
Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to remain vigilant, avoid driving through flooded roads, and be prepared for evacuations if necessary.
Weather Pattern Lingers into Thursday
The cold front’s slow movement and the influx of tropical moisture are expected to continue bringing torrential rainfall into Thursday. Afterward, conditions are expected to turn hotter and drier, with temperatures soaring into the 90s across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic by the weekend.
What precautions do you take when heavy rain and flooding are forecasted? Share your safety tips and experiences in the comments.
