Northeast News

Inland Flooding and Other Tropical Threats
As the peak of hurricane season approaches, it’s a good time to consider the hazards of tropical systems. While most folks think of storm surge and damaging winds, particularly along the coast, tropical systems and their remnants also pose significant threats to inland areas of the Northeast. One of those threats is tornadoes, with Ida in 2021 spawning at least 11, including a rare EF-3, and Isaias in 2020 producing 17, including one that traveled 35 miles across Delaware, the state’s longest tornado track on record. Another major threat, that is sometimes discounted, is inland flooding. The Northeast has experienced devastating inland flooding from tropical systems several times in just the past few years.

• 2024 – In July, up to 7 inches of rain from Beryl’s remnants caused an estimated $50 million in damage from flooding in Lewis County in northern New York. In August, up to 8 inches of rain from Debby’s remnants and a frontal system damaged hundreds of buildings and roads in Potter County in northern Pennsylvania, resulting in over $1 billion in damage.
• 2023 – In September, Ophelia’s remnants merged with another storm to produce up to 9 inches of rain in the New York City area, shutting down roughly half of the city's subway system and making travel nearly impossible. Kennedy Airport had its all-time wettest day on record.
• 2021 – During one week in August, the Northeast was hit by significant rain and flash flooding from back-to-back tropical systems. Shortly after, Ida’s remnants and a stationary front produced 6 to 11 inches of rain and historic flooding from eastern Pennsylvania into southern New England. This event shattered records such as all-time wettest day, greatest hourly rainfall, and all-time highest water level. It also was among New Jersey’s deadliest weather events.
• 2020 – In August, Isaias dropped 4 to 9 inches of rain across the region, with significant flooding leading to hundreds of closed roads, stranded vehicles, water rescues, and inundated buildings. Several waterways in southeastern Pennsylvania recorded their highest water levels on record, with millions of dollars in damage from flooding along the Schuylkill River near Philadelphia. There were at least five storm-related deaths.

For the latest tropical information, visit the National Hurricane Center’s website. For local conditions, including watches and warnings, check out your local National Weather Service’s website and consider owning a NOAA weather radio.

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