A potent storm system is forecast to unleash severe weather across the northeastern United States on Tuesday, with millions of Americans in the danger zone for tornadoes, flash flooding, and high winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for 17 states, anticipating conditions that could produce tornadoes, flash flooding, hail, and wind gusts up to 75 mph.
The storm is expected to begin impacting states including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio by Tuesday afternoon. Parts of North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are also facing a threat of severe weather Tuesday night.
Forecasters have identified a slight risk of supercells, a type of thunderstorm capable of producing tornadoes. The NWS Storm Prediction Center projected a five percent chance of a tornado touching down within a corridor stretching from Kentucky to New York, an area home to approximately 57 million people.
While tornadoes are a possibility, AccuWeather Expert Meteorologist Tyler Roys emphasized that the primary threat is likely to be damaging straight-line winds. "While tornadoes can't be ruled out, the bigger threat today is damaging straight-line winds as lines of storms sweeps through the region," Roys stated. He added that such winds could quickly down trees and power lines, particularly concerning as the storms coincide with the evening commute.
Potentially dangerous flash flooding is also a significant concern, expected to cause major travel disruptions along the entire East Coast on Tuesday and Wednesday. The heaviest flooding is anticipated from the New York City area down to North Carolina. New York City's Department of Emergency Management has alerted residents to expect the most severe weather between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET.
Airports in New York City, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, have already issued ground stops, leading to delays exceeding two hours for travelers. The storm's impact is expected to be most significant during the evening commute for millions of Americans.
Heavy showers and thunderstorms increase the risk of localized flash flooding, especially in urban environments where drainage systems can be overwhelmed. NWS officials urged caution, reminding the public, "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads."
As of Tuesday midday ET, no official tornado watches or warnings had been issued for the Northeast. This is a developing story.