25 Jul 2018 | 03:34 PM UTC
US: Flood warnings in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic July 24-26 /update 2
Flood watches and warnings in effect in American Northeast and mid-Atlantic states July 24-26; monitor local weather forecasts and anticipate transportation disruptions
Event
According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall is forecast in the American North-East and mid-Atlantic regions through Thursday, July 26. Hazardous conditions and floods are possible in these areas. Flash flood watches and warnings have been issued from Western Massachusetts through North Carolina as of Wednesday, July 25. Additionally, flood warnings have been issued for Central Pennsylvania and parts of Harford county, Maryland as the Susquehanna River is expected to reach minor flood status by 05:00 (local time) on Thursday, July 26, and remain flooded through Saturday, July 28 at the earliest. As of Wednesday morning, flooding had caused closure of Penn's Drive in Monroe Township (Pennsylvania), Fiddler's Elbow Road, and Duke Street Bridge in Hummelstown (Pennsylvania). In Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, at least one person was reported missing in the flooding.
The cities of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia are expected to receive rainfall of up to 127 mm (5 in) in the coming days. As of 11:00 on Wednesday, significant flight delays and cancellations were reported at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and Dulles International Airport (IAD), though it was unclear how long weather effects would last. Additional transportation disruptions and power outages are possible in affected areas in the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to follow local weather reports and adhere to any advice or instruction issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
Potentially affected individuals traveling via any airport in the American Northeast or mid-Atlantic on the abovementioned days are advised to confirm their flight status and contact their airline for more information.
