Weekend forecast to bring more dangerous threats across the U.S.

USA Today

4 days ago

Heavy rains, flash floods and more heat advisories are expected across the U.S. this weekend.
Heavy rains and severe thunderstorms may bring more flooding to the East Coast on Aug. 1 after downpours struck parts of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Flash and urban flooding are possible in the northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England through the night before the storms move across the country this weekend.
Showers and thunderstorms will then bring heavy rain to parts of the East Coast and the Southern Plains region through the morning of Aug. 2, creating "localized areas of flash flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams, and low-lying areas being the most vulnerable," the National Weather Service said.
Severe thunderstorms are also expected to strike parts of the Northern and Central High Plains regions, bringing frequent lightning, wind gusts, hail and occasional tornadoes. Storms are expected to dump heavy rainfall onto parts of the Central and Southern High Plains as well as the Southeast through the morning of Aug 3.
Flash flooding drenches the Northeast
Hard rain and flash flooding started arriving by early afternoon on July 31, with scattered reports of flooded roads and stranded cars in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York City.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey's Acting Gov. Tahesha Way both declared a state of emergency. Emergency management officials in New York City urged residents to avoid travel through Friday afternoon.
Stormy weather appeared to be the cause of travel disruption across the region. At least 1,170 flights were cancelled and hundreds more were delayed at the eight major airports serving the region - Washington Dulles, Baltimore-Washington, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Philadelphia, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International and Boston Logan - according to online flight tracking service FlightAware.
Amtrak suspended rail service between Philadelphia and Wilmington for about two hours after the severe storms flooded the tracks. "Residual delays" were expected as the water receded, Amtrak said on X.
High heat, humidity in store for the Gulf Coast
Though temperatures are expected to be 5 to 10 degrees below normal in the East by the weekend, heat advisories are being put in place for parts of the Gulf Coast and southeastern United States due to high temperatures and high humidity. The National Weather Service warned an extended period of extreme heat and with little relief overnight can cause heat stress.
"As temperatures rise, plan to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and ensure access to air conditioning and other cooling areas," the weather service said. "Additionally, be sure to check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors."
Contributing: Reuters; Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY