Coastal Storm Threatens Northeast U.S. With Life-Threatening Flooding

The Northeast U.S. is preparing for yet another coastal storm to flood the region. Forecasters have been monitoring the storm that is predicted to bring flooding rainfall and travel delays on the Interstate 95 corridor.

Northeast Targeted Again

It wasn't too long ago that Tropical Storm Ophelia slammed the Northeast with heavy rainfall, flooding, and rough wave conditions. Following landfall, the storm still brought stormy conditions to the area.

While this new storm is not tropical in nature, it's still expected to bring severe weather impacts to the region still recovering from Ophelia.

Prepare For Dangerous Flooding

Flooding rainfall started Thursday night over the I-95 corridor and is expected to continue into Friday night. Forecasters warn residents of travel delays Friday and into Saturday as major flooding will threaten the areas from New York City to Boston.

As of Friday morning, the areas with the highest risk of heavy rainfall include. New York City and Tri-State area eastward across portions of Long Island and southern New England.

However, the rain has the potential to move more inland, which could effect areas of the lower Hudson Valley south across eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey.

As of Thursday, Central Park had already seen 8.73 inches of rain this month. For comparison, the average September rainfall for the state of New York is 4.31 inches.

In its neighboring state, New Jersey, they would only need to see up to 1.5 inches of rain to produce flooding due to already wet conditions.

Up to 8 inches of Rain Expected

The Northeast region is expected to see between 2-4 inches of rainfall, but some areas from western Long Island, New York, to southwestern Connecticut could see up to 8 inches. Forecasters warn that one inch per hour of rain could fall during the storm. If this is the case, it could very quickly pose life-threatening situations.

Flash flood warnings had already been issued for New York City and Long Island on Thursday night, and JFK International Airport 1.19 inches of rain in just one hour very early this morning.

Motorists have been advised to avoid areas where the street is flooded because it could be impossible to tell how deep the water actually is. In addition, travelers are warned of flight delays or cancellations, as well as potential subway system closures.

Coastal Hazards Expected

Even prior to this storm, windy conditions along the east coast have posed hazards. Coastal flood advisories had been issued Friday morning from coastal eastern Virginia to southwestern Connecticut.

Forecasters predicted that the full moon combined with the onshore winds would bring higher inundation than normal during high tide.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

Although it may be a rough and wet start to the weekend for the Northeast, next week is expected to bring warmer and drier weather. Temperatures are to reach in the upper 70s or even 80s for the region from Sunday to Thursday of next week.

severe weather