Washington, D.C. to New York City — A powerful line of severe storms swept across the Northeast, dumping inches of rain and triggering flash floods that inundated roads, delayed commutes, and grounded hundreds of flights.
The system impacted millions of residents from the Mid-Atlantic to the Tri-State area on Monday.
Floodwaters Swallow Roads and Intersections
Cities including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City experienced flooded roadways, with viral videos showing cars submerged under rising water and drivers forced to abandon vehicles.
According to the National Weather Service, 2 to 4 inches of rain fell in less than an hour in some urban areas, overwhelming drainage systems and causing sudden flash floods.
Multiple highways and intersections were temporarily shut down, including parts of Interstate 95, as emergency crews responded to stranded motorists and washed-out roadways.
Airports See Major Flight Disruptions
At the height of the storm, more than 1,200 flight delays and hundreds of cancellations were reported at major airports including Reagan National (DCA), Philadelphia International (PHL), and Newark Liberty (EWR).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued ground stops due to lightning and limited visibility, further snarling travel plans across the East Coast.
Storm Threat Not Over Yet
Meteorologists warned that the storm system may linger, with more pop-up storms and localized flooding possible through midweek. A flood watch remains in effect for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and residents are advised to monitor alerts closely.
Tornado warnings and wind gusts over 60 mph were also reported during the peak of the storm activity.
Climate Patterns and Infrastructure Concerns
Experts say this kind of sudden, high-volume rainfall is becoming increasingly common due to climate change, stressing outdated infrastructure in older cities.
Urban flooding is now one of the top climate risks for cities like New York and Washington, where impervious surfaces prevent water from draining quickly, leading to flash flood conditions.
Did you experience delays or flooding during the storm? Are our cities prepared for weather like this? Join the discussion now at NewYorkDailyGazette.com and tell us what happened in your neighborhood.
