HEAVY DOWNPOUR, FLASH FLOODS DISRUPT TRAVEL ALONG U.S. EASTERN SEABOARD

A powerful storm system swept across the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, unleashing torrential rains and triggering dangerous flash floods from North Carolina to Massachusetts. The relentless downpour, combined with already saturated ground, caused widespread travel disruptions, road closures, and emergency alerts across major cities including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

Commuters faced significant delays as flooded highways and washed-out roads forced rerouting and detours. Public transportation systems, including Amtrak and regional rail lines, reported major service suspensions and delays. Airports such as JFK, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia International saw dozens of flight cancellations, stranding thousands of travelers and prompting emergency contingency plans.

In New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, rainfall totals exceeded six inches in less than 24 hours, overwhelming storm drains and submerging low-lying neighborhoods. Flash flood warnings were issued throughout the night, with rescue crews deployed in inflatable boats to evacuate residents trapped in their homes and vehicles. Some towns, like Trenton and Camden, declared local states of emergency.

Urban centers bore the brunt of the flooding, with subway stations in New York City inundated and power outages reported in multiple boroughs. Emergency management officials urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. “This level of rainfall in such a short time is unprecedented,” said a spokesperson for NYC Emergency Management.

Along coastal areas, storm surge coupled with high tide worsened the flooding, especially in parts of Maryland and Delaware. Several coastal communities experienced temporary evacuations as rivers overflowed and seawater spilled into residential streets. In Norfolk, Virginia, floodwaters reached record highs, prompting concern over aging drainage infrastructure.

Schools across multiple states, including Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut, announced closures or early dismissals due to unsafe conditions. School buses were unable to operate on submerged roads, and parents were advised to keep children home until weather conditions improved. Officials warned that additional rainfall could lead to landslides in hilly regions.

Meteorologists attributed the intense rainfall to a stalled frontal boundary interacting with moist tropical air from the Atlantic. The National Weather Service stated that more rain is expected over the next 48 hours, with additional flash flood warnings likely. Residents are urged to monitor weather updates and have emergency supplies ready.

The storm also raised environmental concerns as raw sewage overflowed in some older city sewer systems, contaminating water bodies and increasing health risks. Environmental agencies began testing floodwaters for pollutants, urging residents not to wade through water without protective gear. Cleanup operations are expected to take several days, if not weeks.

State governors along the Eastern Seaboard have requested federal assistance, with FEMA on standby to support emergency operations. President Biden, in a statement, promised swift federal support and acknowledged the growing threat of extreme weather fueled by climate change. “We must continue to invest in resilient infrastructure,” he emphasized, “to protect our communities from storms like this in the future.”