NEW YORK — Severe thunderstorms and the threat of flash flooding disrupted travel across parts of the U.S. East Coast on Monday as millions of people returned home after the Independence Day holiday weekend, prompting weather alerts, flight delays and warnings from emergency officials.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood watches and severe thunderstorm advisories across portions of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, warning that repeated rounds of heavy rain could trigger flash flooding in urban areas, along small streams and on major transportation routes. Forecasters said some locations could receive several inches of rain, with localized rainfall rates capable of overwhelming drainage systems.
The hazardous weather threatened one of the busiest travel periods of the summer, affecting motorists and air travelers returning after the July Fourth holiday. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and warned that flooded roadways, reduced visibility and downed trees could create dangerous conditions.
In the New York City metropolitan area, officials warned that heavy downpours could disrupt the Monday morning commute, with flooding possible on streets, highways, underpasses and portions of the transit network. City emergency officials advised residents to monitor forecasts and remain alert for changing conditions as the storm system moved through the region.
The storm threat followed a prolonged period of extreme heat that affected much of the eastern United States over the holiday weekend. As cooler air advanced into the region, atmospheric conditions became favorable for strong thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and torrential rainfall, according to the NWS.
Parts of Connecticut continued cleanup efforts after severe storms over the weekend left thousands of utility customers without electricity and forced road closures in several communities. Utility companies and transportation officials worked to restore service and remove fallen trees and debris while warning that additional storms could hamper recovery operations.
The NWS said the risk of flooding would persist into Monday night as multiple rounds of thunderstorms tracked across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Emergency management agencies urged the public to monitor updated forecasts and heed any flood warnings that might be issued as conditions evolved.
