Severe Weather Hits U.S.: Northeast Faces Flooding Threat

Since Monday, a major storm has unleashed severe weather across the United States, resulting in more than a dozen reported tornadoes from Texas to Georgia. Florida's Panhandle experienced several tornadoes overnight and into Tuesday morning, causing significant damage in Bay County's Panama City area.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for northern Florida, covering 49 counties. Tornado watches are in effect along the East Coast, from Florida to southern Virginia. Over 600,000 customers, primarily in the South, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, were without power on Tuesday evening.

A flood threat looms over the Northeast, with flood watches in effect for major cities including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Heavy rain is expected to move up the Interstate 95 corridor, posing a flooding risk. The storm's worst impacts are forecasted for the D.C./Baltimore area, New York City metro area, and New England. Strong winds, reaching 50 to 65 mph, may lead to power outages.

Additionally, heavy snowfall is predicted from Missouri to Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Chicago may experience a mix of rain and snow, with the potential for a few inches of snow.

As a second storm approaches the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, more severe weather is anticipated in the South on Friday. The Midwest and Great Lakes will face heavy snow, while the Northeast is expected to encounter heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding by Friday night into Saturday.