NEW YORK — A life-threatening flash flood threat is increasing for nearly 60 million people across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and southern New England, with more rounds of heavy rain expected to soak the region through Monday night.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms from this weekend saturated the soil across the region, creating prime conditions for flash flooding Monday, particularly in the New York City metro area.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 out of 4 risk of flash flooding for New York City, Long Island, as well as Coastal Connecticut, Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
A broader Level 2 of 4 flash flood risk extends from central Massachusetts through New York’s Lower Hudson Valley, New Jersey, the Delmarva, and to western Pennsylvania.
This includes Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
Severe storms battered the region across the July 4 holiday weekend, beginning late Friday afternoon, leading to the cancellation of some outdoor celebrations.
Powerful wind gusts took down trees and power lines, with more than 280,000 customers still without power early Monday.
Heavy rain Sunday prompted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to warn people living in basement apartments to be ready to evacuate. The city opened public schools to serve as shelters late Sunday.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, Monday’s downpours could produce rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour. Combined with Sunday’s rainfall, storm totals of 3 to 6 inches are expected across the region, with isolated amounts topping 8 inches.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for over 40 million people through Monday evening.
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