Flash flooding swamps New York City area as heavy rains pummel Northeast
Roughly 15 million Americans in parts of the mid-Atlantic could see severe weather, including Philadelphia and Baltimore.
New York City under flash flood warning
New York City streets are filling with water as moisture from Hurricane Melissa drenches the Big Apple on Thursday.
NEW YORK – A line of heavy rain triggered by a potent low pressure system sprawling across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast dumped torrential rains across the New York City area Thursday afternoon, triggering widespread flash flooding.
Videos from witnesses around the New York City area have shown flooded streets with water halfway up passing vehicles' tires as those walking on the sidewalks struggled to keep dry.
Flash flooding hits Chelsea area of New York City
Heavy rains and coastal flooding are causing problems around the New York City area. Several inches of water have flooded the Westside Highway in Chelsea
Rain gauges at LaGuardia Airport showed a whopping 0.25 inches fell in just 7 minutes and 1.04 inches in just 50 minutes.
Overall, rain gauges around the region showed between 1 and 1.5 inches falling in an hour, with storm totals pushing 2-2.5 inches, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
A Flash Flood Warning was issued across the New York City area until 5:30 p.m. ET for continued heavy rainfall.
Aside from covering streets and sidewalks, the heavy rains have made life miserable at the three major airports.
Flight delays averaged about 3-4 hours at JFK International, LaGuardia and Newark-Liberty.
The heavy rains were part of a large low pressure system that swept into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
FLOOD WATCH, WARNING AND EMERGENCY: HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
(FOX Weather)
A level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat remains in place for a good portion of the Northeast and New England from Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Providence, Rhode Island.
(FOX Weather)
Wind gusts could exceed 40–50 mph, especially for coastal regions in the Northeast. Wind Advisories continue for costal New Jersey and Delaware. Elsewhere, winds will steadily start to increase, but gusts should not exceed 25 mph, the FOX Forecast Center said.
A Coastal Flood Warning also remains along North Carolina's Outer Banks and up through other portions of the Mid-Atlantic through Friday where beach erosion remains a risk. Coastal flood advisories stretch north through New Jersey.
Along the Outer Banks, 15 homes have collapsed in recent weeks, with five homes falling earlier in the week on Tuesday.
5 OUTER BANKS HOMES COLLAPSE TUESDAY AMID POUNDING SURF BRINGING TOTAL TO 15 IN A MONTH
(FOX Weather)
By Halloween on Friday, the worst of the weather in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast should clear out, but gusty winds will remain in effect, chilling trick-or-treaters.
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(FOX Weather)
Some showers will linger along the Great Lakes in the Northeast, dampening the evening.