13 Sep 2022 | 12:34 PM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the Northeast Region Sept. 13
Severe weather forecast across parts of the northeastern US Sept. 13. Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in New York.
Event
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of the Northeast Region Sept. 13. Heavy rainfall may result in floods and flash floods and storms may be accompanied by strong wind gusts, hail, and possible tornadoes.
Heavy rainfall early Sept. 13 has caused disruptions to transport in New York City and surrounding areas. Flash flood warnings were issued for parts of Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island early Sept. 13, but these have since been rescinded. The heavy rainfall has caused treacherous driving conditions on roads across parts of New York and New Jersey. McClellan Street and the NJ Transit overpass in New Jersey were made impassable by floodwaters and several highways in New York are slow moving due to surface water. The weather has also caused delays on many subway lines in New York early Sept. 13.
Government Advisories
As of early Sept. 13, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood advisories for western and central Suffolk County in New York, as well as parts of southern Connecticut.
The NWS's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has warned of a "Slight Risk" (Level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across portions of eastern Pennsylvania, northeastern Maryland, northern Delaware, northern and western New Jersey, and central New York Sept. 13. The NWS's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has warned of a "Slight Risk" of severe thunderstorms (Level 2 on a five-tier scale) for parts of eastern New York, western Connecticut, southern and central Vermont, and southwestern New Hampshire Sept. 13.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days and tornado warnings advising the public to shelter in place. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in flood- or tornado-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelter if tornado warnings are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
