Soaking rainstorm to delay travel, cause localized flooding in northeastern US
A rainstorm will thoroughly drench and raise travel problems in the northeastern United States on Friday.
Waterproof shoes and a raincoat are recommended for anyone heading out in the rain.
The same storm that caused renewed flooding in the central Plains and middle Mississippi Valley will roll northeastward through the end of the week.
The region is not in dire need of rain, since the short-term drought has been erased by frequent storms during March and April. A long-term rainfall deficit with roots into 2016 continues in part of the region. This storm will erode that deficit and can cause some short-term flooding problems.
A general 1-2 inches of rain is likely with locally higher amounts possible from western Virginia to the south coast of New England and over the eastern Great Lakes. Somewhat lesser rainfall may occur from southeastern Ohio and western West Virginia to central New York state and northern New England.
Small streams will swell but will be mostly a problem for fishing and other recreation interests.
"Enough rain can fall to cause poor visibility and urban flooding for motorists around parts of the eastern Great Lakes, the mid-Atlantic and New England," according to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams.
Enough rain fell to push some river above flood stage in parts of Ohio, Indiana and the the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, even where flooding did not occur last weekend.
"It does not take much rain to cause travel problems in the major cities," Abrams said.
The combination of drenching rain, a low cloud ceiling and gusty winds along the coast can lead to significant airline delays. Passengers should anticipate delays at the major hubs on Friday, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Detroit.
Along the Interstate 95 corridor on Friday, the worst weather conditions for rush hour will be in the morning from Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., to Baltimore and Philadelphia. Stormy conditions will continue in these areas into the early afternoon.
Rain will be heavy at times in the New York City area into Friday afternoon. In Boston, the evening rush hour will be slow and soggy with windswept heavy rain.
Meanwhile, winds can get strong enough along the Atlantic coast, over the ridges and around the Great Lakes to break some tree limbs, where leaves have emerged. As a result, a few sporadic power outages are possible.
In some areas, thunder and lightning will accompany the rain for a time. Some locations in eastern Virginia and over the Delmarva Peninsula can be hit by a severe thunderstorm Friday morning or midday.
Minor coastal and lake shore flooding can occur. The flooding on the Atlantic coast will be greatest during times of high tide.
A gyre of chilly air will set up over the Northeast by this weekend and may linger well into next week. Snow could fall on some locations.
Even if one gyre departs, it may be replaced by another one before the middle of the month.
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