by A powerful line of storms swept through the Mid-Atlantic on Wednesday, prompting flash flood warnings for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, while severe weather threats extended from North Carolina to Pennsylvania.
At the same time, Texas and New Mexico continued to grapple with the deadly aftermath of catastrophic floods that have killed more than 120 people and left hundreds still missing.
- 27 million Americans are under severe thunderstorm and flash flood watches across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast on Wednesday.
- Major cities at risk include:
- Philadelphia
- Baltimore
- Washington, D.C.
- Richmond, Virginia
- These areas may experience 2–3 inches of rainfall per hour, with already saturated soils increasing the likelihood of flash flooding.
- The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued:
- Flash Flood Warnings for Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia through 8:45 p.m. ET
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the Mid-Atlantic region through midnight
- Flood Watches from North Carolina to Pennsylvania
- Key threats include:
- Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph
- Isolated hail
- Heavy rainfall and flash flooding
- A brief tornado warning was in effect earlier Wednesday near northern D.C.
- Another round of severe storms is expected Thursday in the Carolinas.
Ongoing Crisis in Texas and New Mexico Due to Catastrophic Flooding
- Texas:
- Death toll has climbed to 120
- 172 people still missing, many from Kerr County
- The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in less than an hour on July 4
- 36 children among the dead; several summer camps and RV parks were flooded
- President Trump issued a disaster declaration for Kerr County
- FEMA is conducting search and rescue operations in the region
- New Mexico:
- Three deaths reported, including two children, due to record-breaking flooding
- In Ruidoso, the Rio Ruidoso river surged to 20 feet, breaking the previous flood record by 5 feet
- 3.5 inches of rain fell in just 90 minutes, overwhelming the village
