Heavy rain drenches I-95 corridor but brings much-needed drought relief to Northeast
Heavy rains caused flooding headaches in the Philadelphia metro area and in parts of Connecticut and Rhode Island. However, the rain will be beneficial for 24% of the Northeast in drought.
Pennsylvania flash flood sweeps debris across roads
Flooding has been a big concern since Monday. Video captures flash flooding sweeping debris across the road in Claysburg, Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA – It was a soaking-wet commute back to work after the holiday weekend across the Northeast, where heavy rains lead to some travel issues along highways and at airports.
Tuesday started with Flood Watches in effect for some 50 million people, including the entire states of New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island. By Tuesday afternoon conditions improved and just about all flood advisories had been dropped.
Earlier in the day, heavy rains had caused flooding headaches in the Philadelphia metro area, with standing water reported on the Schuylkill Expressway just west of the city.
The heavy rainfall caused havoc across Philadelphia, flooding streets and parking lots.
One commuter train experienced delays due to high waters, according to FOX 29 Philadelphia, while some streets in West Chester Borough were closed due to flooding.
Flash Flood Warnings were in effect for the western and northwestern suburbs of Philadelphia after 1 to 1.5 inches of rain fell in a short period of time, with another 1 to 2 inches possible.
Some of the highest rain totals were reported outside the city. Collegeville, Pennsylvania received 4.4 inches of rain in 12 hours.
Roof collapses due to heavy rain, flash flooding in Providence, Rhode Island
Video shows the aftermath of a roof collapse due to heavy rain and flash flooding in Providence, Rhode Island on Monday.
Flash flooding was also reported in New Haven, Connecticut, and caused a roof to collapse in Providence, Rhode Island. Providence saw 8.3 inches of rain over 24 hours between Monday and Tuesday.
The Yale Daily News reports more than 4 inches of rain caused campus buildings to flood and the Bass and Morse libraries to flood. The college newspaper reports the rain also caused technology issues across campus.
The New York City, Boston and Washington metro areas were also getting soaked by persistent rains into Tuesday afternoon and evening that could bring isolated urban flooding issues.
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By the time the rain winds down on Wednesday, nearly everyone from southern Maine to northern Virginia will pick up 2 to 3 inches of rain, with isolated amounts as high as 6 to 8 inches.
(FOX Weather)
There is a silver lining to the gray skies, however.
Outside where flooding develops, the rain will be exceptionally beneficial for drought-stricken areas. About 24% of the Northeast is in drought, with 11% of the region considered in severe drought.
(FOX Weather)
For New York, Boston and Providence, this storm will likely be the wettest event in nearly a year.