A powerful storm system, fueled by an “atmospheric river” of tropical moisture, is set to slam the Northeast on Wednesday, raising serious concerns about flash flooding and widespread power outages.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter is sounding the alarm, warning that millions of people along the I-95 corridor, from Philadelphia to New York City and Boston, could face significant disruptions. Major airports in the region are also expected to be impacted.
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“This atmospheric river will be unusually potent and moisture-loaded,” explained Porter. “It will deliver tropical moisture into the intensifying storm from the Caribbean Sea, some 2,000 miles away.”
This surge of moisture is forecast to unleash heavy rainfall across the Northeast, with AccuWeather predicting 2-4 inches of rain with localized amounts up to 8 inches possible. The combination of heavy rain and melting snowpack in higher elevations of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine could lead to dangerous flash flooding.
“Rapidly melting snow can add another 1 to 2 inches of liquid water to the runoff,” warned Porter. “Rapidly rising water can lead to life-threatening flooding, especially in areas of steep terrain.”
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Adding to the concerns, powerful wind gusts of 50-70 mph are expected, increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines, potentially causing widespread power outages.
While the heavy rain may provide some relief to drought-stricken areas of New York and New Jersey, the storm is expected to leave a parting shot of freezing temperatures and a brief burst of snow in areas west of I-95 on Wednesday night into Thursday.
Residents in the Northeast are urged to prepare for potential flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions. Stay tuned to local weather forecasts and heed any warnings issued by authorities.
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