The FOX Prediction Center is keeping an eye on a storm system heading toward the Northeast, bringing with it potential for more than just severe weather.
This system is expected to roll in between Tuesday and Wednesday, and while it’s going to bring strong wind gusts along the coast, there’s also an increased risk of flash flooding along the I-95 corridor.
The Prediction Center notes that this storm is taking a different path compared to previous storms this summer—it’s predicted to follow a more southerly route, with a key area of low pressure settling over the continental United States.
On Tuesday, we can expect this low pressure to begin to strengthen over parts of New England.
As it gains intensity, widespread storms are likely to develop along a cold front that surrounds the center, stretching across the Appalachian Mountains.
Interestingly, while most rain connected to these low pressure systems tends to be less severe, the sheer volume of moisture in the atmosphere can lead to hefty rainfall.
Flash flooding could sneak up quickly, especially as this system approaches the East Coast by Tuesday evening.
As the storm nears, the threat of increased flooding will start to take shape, particularly around the I-95 area.
The Prediction Center has indicated that storms forming along the southern edge of this low pressure could bring rainfall rates exceeding 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Currently, the flash flood threat is rated at Level 2 out of 4, affecting areas in the lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and extending down to Philadelphia.
Flooding risks could pop up during the Tuesday evening commute, especially since storms may repeatedly target the same areas.
Areas in the Northeast are anticipated to receive anywhere from 3 to 5 inches of rain, particularly around New York, Scranton, and Syracuse.
To complicate matters further, a secondary low pressure area might develop just off the coast near Long Island or a bit inland.
This would not only ramp up precipitation but could also lead to strong winds and potential coastal flooding from Long Island all the way to Downeast Maine.
This new low pressure system is set to form from Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, with wind speeds potentially reaching 40 to 50 mph in some areas.
As the secondary system develops, it’s expected to drift back north into New England, rotating around the primary low.
This shift changes the flood risk, escalating it for places like Hartford, Boston, Concord, and Maine to Level 2 on the risk scale by Wednesday.
Rain totals for Tuesday and Wednesday might exceed 3 to 5 inches.
However, the maximum flood risk zone could shift or be adjusted as confidence about the track of the secondary system grows.
Interestingly, the FOX Prediction Center points out that, contrary to some opinions, a July nor’easter isn’t on the horizon this year since winds are primarily from the south.
“Regardless of how we characterize this system, many effects could feel quite similar to a nor’easter,” the Prediction Center explains, adding that heavy rain, extended rainfall periods, and strong winds could all contribute to coastal flooding issues.
