Drenching storms shatter records, strand motorists around DC, Baltimore Tuesday evening

Drenching thunderstorms moved into the northeastern United States Tuesday afternoon and evening, resulting in numerous flash flooding reports throughout the region.

In Washington, D.C., heavy rain prompted flooding on the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Reagan National Airport. The flooding left cars stranded during the evening rush hour.

Several water rescues were reported on the parkway by the Arlington, Virginia, Fire Department. In total, 40 people were removed from 25 stranded vehicles, according to the fire department.

Daily rainfall records were set in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. A total of 2.53 inches at Baltimore-Washington International Airport broke the previous daily record of 2.25 inches from 1947.

Reagan National Airport reported 2.79 inches, which broke the previous record of 2.05 inches from 1945.

Through the first 16 days of the month, the nation’s capital did not receive a mere 0.01 of an inch of rain, making it the driest first half of July on record for the city. Following the rainfall, the city has now received about 75 percent of its normal rainfall for July.

In New York City, a rare funnel cloud was reported over New York Harbor and was later confirmed by the National Weather Service in New York.

Photos and videos emerged on social media of subway stations in Times Square inundated by the rainfall.

Many streets around Worcester, Massachusetts, were closed due to flooding and emergency management officials urged motorists to avoid the affected areas. The Worcester Fire Department said it responded to over 100 storm-related calls during the afternoon.

"Please take notice that it is strongly advised to not to walk on flooded city streets due to possible uncovered manholes and other unseen debris and safety hazards," officials said.

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