Severe thunderstorms swept across the Northeast on Tuesday, placing 29 million people under a tornado watch from Pennsylvania to Connecticut. The Storm Prediction Center issued warnings for damaging winds, heavy rain, and potential tornadoes, particularly in the Appalachians. More than 2,000 flights were canceled, with major airports in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., experiencing ground stops. Flash flooding was reported in New Jersey and New York suburbs, while tornadoes touched down in northern New Jersey.
Denise Davis, a resident of Clermont County, Ohio, recounted rushing her grandchildren to the basement as a tornado warning sounded. A tree fell onto her house, but everyone remained safe. The storms, driven by a cold front and atmospheric instability, moved eastward, disrupting evening commutes along the I-95 corridor. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to seek shelter during heavy rain and strong winds, especially those in basement apartments.
The storms followed recent flooding in New York City, raising concerns about infrastructure resilience. The National Weather Service warned of wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail, with flash flooding threatening urban areas. Severe thunderstorm watches extended from Missouri to Virginia, affecting cities like Louisville, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh.