NEW YORK — Severe thunderstorms swept across parts of the U.S. Northeast on Saturday, bringing flash flooding, damaging winds and the threat of isolated tornadoes as weather officials warned residents to remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
The National Weather Service issued flood watches and flash flood warnings for parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and surrounding areas as a cold front moved through a hot, moisture-laden air mass. The Storm Prediction Center placed portions of the Lower Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast under an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms, warning that damaging wind gusts would be the primary hazard while a few tornadoes were possible.
Heavy rainfall inundated streets and low-lying neighborhoods in parts of the New York City metropolitan area, with some locations receiving more than 2.5 inches (6 cm) of rain within hours, according to meteorologists and local officials. Floodwaters temporarily affected roads, transit infrastructure and travel across sections of the region. The Federal Aviation Administration also reported delays at major airports serving New York City as thunderstorms passed through the area.
The National Weather Service said thunderstorms were capable of producing torrential rainfall, damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes. Forecast offices urged residents not to drive through flooded roadways and warned that rapidly rising water could develop in urban areas and other locations with poor drainage.
Connecticut and neighboring states also faced the potential for severe storms during the afternoon and evening, with forecasters warning that localized flash flooding could develop where repeated thunderstorms tracked over the same areas. Weather officials said atmospheric conditions supported efficient rainfall production and the possibility of brief tornadoes near frontal boundaries.
Emergency management agencies advised residents to monitor official forecasts and heed any evacuation or shelter instructions issued by local authorities. Officials also cautioned that lingering wildfire smoke from Canada could reduce visibility in some areas, although rainfall was expected to improve air quality across parts of the region.
As of Saturday evening, officials continued to monitor flooding and storm impacts across the Northeast. The National Weather Service said the threat of severe weather would diminish after the cold front moved offshore, while emergency crews assessed localized flooding and responded to weather-related incidents.
