Flooding, Heavy Wind Warnings To U.S. Northeast And Mid-Atlantic Ahead Of Storm

In the wake of a storm that ripped through the South, the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast could be facing the same storm system.

When the storm first hit in the southern U.S., it brought with it eleven confirmed tornados from Wednesday to Thursday. Seven of the tornados occurred across Texas and Louisiana, along with violent storms that killed at least five people, two from an EF3 tornado in Ruston, reports USA Today.

While there are still some tornado threats to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, the greater threat from the storm will be the rain and wind. The heaviest storm front is expected to hit Friday afternoon and evening across various parts of North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.

The storms will consist of heavy rainfall, along with 60mph winds and the possibility of tornados and flash flooding.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said that “the unsettled weather pattern will mean that residents should keep rain gear handy and prepare for potential disruptions to some outdoor activities.”

According to AccuWeather, recent rainfall along with snowmelt has caused some rivers in the region to come out of their banks. And while the New England area won’t be hit with the worst of the storm, the concern is that the rain could be enough to cause more flooding.