Eastern U.S. Rain Event Forces Water Rescues with More Moisture Incoming

About 200 people were rescued from a school in Maryland on Tuesday after heavy rain triggered a flooding event. Here is a look at what has been happening in this part of the U.S. in recent days and when the region can expect relief from the persistent rain.

Flooding Forces Rescue of 200 People from School in Maryland

Approximately 150 students and 50 staff members were evacuated from a school in Alleghany County, Maryland, on Tuesday after floodwaters inundated the facility. Local crews had to use 15 rescue boats to get to those who were trapped in the building.

Video footage taken from the scene showed several vehicles floating in the rising waters in the parking lot of the school. There were no injuries reported. While there were no other schools impacted by the flooding, several people had to be rescued from homes or vehicles.

The area surrounding Georges Creek was hit the hardest by the heavy rain and resulting flooding. The creek hit moderate flood level stage when water reached 12.12 feet by 5 pm ET on Tuesday. The waterway rose by over 7 feet in a period of just six hours. The record water level for Georges Creek is 12.77 feet, dating back to 1996.

The rapid rise on the waterway prompted a flash flood emergency for parts of Westernport and Barton, Maryland, and into Piedmont, West Virginia. Flooded streets were also an issue for parts of Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

Rain to Move Out and Usher in Warmer Temperatures

While some rain stuck around the eastern U.S. on Wednesday, a pattern change is on the way for the region. The rest of the week will feature warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels, however, the threat of rain will not disappear completely.

The bulk of the stormy activity for the U.S. will focus on the central portions of the country. A drier weather pattern is in store for the Southeast but forecasters are warning that rain showers and the chance of thunderstorm activity will still be a concern for the Northeast.

Although the daily forecast may feature showers in most communities in the northeastern corner of the country, there will be several dry periods embedded into the rainy conditions. The best bet when planning outdoor activities will be to check the hourly forecast before heading outside.

The mass of hot air that has infiltrated the Great Plains over the past several days will move to the east on Friday. This will translate to significantly warmer temperatures for the eastern U.S. In addition, moisture-rich air coming up from the Gulf and the Atlantic will mean higher humidity levels. The uptick in humidity will inevitably increase the real feel readings, making it feel warmer than the air temperatures indicate.

You can expect the mercury to climb into the 80s across the Ohio Valley and the mid-Atlantic by the end of the week. Some parts of the Southeast should be prepared for readings that surge into the 90s at this time.

The core of the warmth will not likely make it all the way to eastern New England. Cool breezes coming off the ocean will suppress the temperatures with widespread readings in the 60s expected.

A storm that is impacting the Upper Midwest on Thursday will continue its track to the east by the end of the week. This track will raise the risk of severe weather in the area stretching across Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and western New York beginning late Friday and lingering through Saturday. Potential impacts of this weather maker include heavy rain, gusty winds, and large hail.

Specific Metro Area Forecasts

Tourists in New York City will be dodging rain showers on Thursday. Although the rain is not expected to be heavy in nature, the intermittent showers and cloud cover will keep the mercury at about the 70-degree mark for a high. Temperatures will only be slightly warmer on Friday with the clouds remaining in place.

Saturday's forecast in the Big Apple is calling for scattered thunderstorms to start the day with partly cloudy skies for the afternoon. The arrival of the sun will bring the temperatures up into the low 80s for a high on Saturday. Overnight lows will bottom out in the mid 60s in New York City over the next few days.

As is typical, it will be warmer moving farther inland. Pittsburgh is forecast to see a high of about 85 degrees on Thursday with a mix of sun and clouds. Friday's forecast will be more unsettled in the Steel City. You can expect scattered thunderstorms for the morning commute with partly cloudy skies on tap for the afternoon. The chance of storms will erupt again in the evening and overnight hours. Highs will reach about 83 degrees before sliding into the mid 60s. It will also be a bit breezy in Pittsburgh on Friday with winds out of the southwest at 10 to 15 mph.

Friday will be a warm and muggy day to the south in Washington, D.C. The nation's capital is forecast to see highs that surge into the upper 80s despite the presence of scattered thunderstorms. The chance of storms will persist into the overnight hours across the National Mall and beyond.

As noted earlier, the ocean breezes coming off of the Atlantic will keep the temperatures in check in coastal New England. Boston is expecting a high of only 68 degrees on Thursday with morning rain showers making for a soggy start to the day. Friday's highs will inch up slightly with a forecast of 73 degrees under mostly cloudy skies.

Saturday is shaping up to be a stormy day in Boston. The metro area is anticipating rain in the morning, evolving into thunderstorms as the day progresses. Highs will reach about 69 degrees before falling into the upper 50s overnight. A drier pattern will begin to move into Boston on Sunday, making for a pleasant end to the weekend.

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