As a cold front washes away the persistent heat and humidity that has plagued the eastern United States, a dangerous heavy rain event appears to be in the forecast, with flooding rains very likely in portions of the Mid Atlantic and Northeast. Due to the threat of severe flooding, the National Weather Service has already issued Flood Watches for portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Maryland.
A Flash Flood Watch means that there is the potential for flash flooding which can be life-threatening. With tomorrow’s frontal passage, heavy rain is expected to occur over a short period of time. Rapidly rising flood waters may quickly inundate roadways and areas of poor drainage. Streams and creeks could leave their banks, flooding nearby properties.
The National Weather Service is urging people in the Flood Watch areas to monitor the evolving forecast, especially if they’re in a location prone to flooding. “Be prepared to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area,” the National Weather Service cautioned today. A period of heavy rain and thunderstorms could result in flooding issues early Friday morning through Friday afternoon. Generally, 1 to 2 inches of rain is expected, with localized amounts of 3 to 4 inches possible. The heaviest rain is expected to fall during the morning hours, impacting the morning commute across the I-95 corridor between Baltimore, MD and Boston, MA. Excessive rainfall within a short period of time can lead to rapidly rising water and flash flooding, particularly in urban areas and along small creeks and streams.
Once the soaking heavy rains clear the coast later tomorrow, fair and dry weather with much more comfortable dew points will move into the region for Saturday.
