Heavy rainfall in Pennsylvania has led to flash flooding, resulting in at least four deaths and the disappearance of three individuals. The unexpected flooding occurred on Saturday evening as part of a severe thunderstorm band that swept across the Northeastern region of the United States. Upper Makefield Township, located along the Delaware River north of Philadelphia, reported three deaths on Sunday morning and later announced the discovery of a fourth body. Emergency crews are currently searching for three missing individuals, including an adult female, a 2-year-old girl, and her 9-month-old brother. Authorities have warned residents to avoid debris-covered roadways and are continuing their search efforts in challenging terrain.
The National Weather Service has reported that over 40 million people in the Northeast were at moderate risk of excessive rainfall on Sunday. Major storms have affected metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford, and Boston. Some parts of the region, already hit by heavy rain over the past week, may have “saturated and sensitive soils,” making flash flooding more likely. Several areas, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island, were under a tornado watch, and Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware issued flash flood warnings.
Additionally, Vermont is preparing for more heavy rainfall as it continues to recover from recent flash floods. Governor Phil Scott urged residents to remain vigilant and be prepared for flash flood warnings throughout the state. The severe weather conditions have also impacted air travel, with ground stops in effect at major airports like Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Boston Logan International. Flight cancellations and delays have affected over 1,300 flights in the United States, according to FlightAware.
As authorities and emergency responders continue their efforts to search for missing individuals and assess the damage caused by the flash flooding, the affected communities are grappling with the tragic loss of life and the challenges of recovering from the severe weather conditions. The widespread impact on air travel further highlights the disruptive nature of the storms. Residents are urged to stay informed, heed warnings, and take precautions to ensure their safety.
