Severe storm, flood threat heads to Interstate 95 corridor: Forecast

Flash flooding is possible from Virginia up to Connecticut.

August 20, 2026, 10:06 AM

The Mid-Atlantic is bracing for severe storms and potential flooding along the Interstate 95 corridor on Thursday, including during the evening rush hour.

Heavy thunderstorms could bring damaging wind gusts, rainfall rates reaching 2.5 inches per hour, and rain totals of 3 to 5 inches.

Severe Weather Outlook Map
ABC News

The heaviest of the thunderstorms may begin around 3 p.m. in Philadelphia and Baltimore and then reach New York City around 5 p.m. But the forecast is not exact and the storms might begin a few hours later in the evening.

Officials at New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport warned Thursday that the weather may cause flight disruptions.

People walk through the rain in the Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn as severe storms move through the New York area on July 21, 2026 in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Flash flooding is possible from Virginia up to Connecticut. A flood watch is in effect from Philadelphia to New York City until 2 a.m. Friday. 

There's also a chance for a few tornadoes in the Baltimore and Philadelphia areas and into New Jersey. 

Flash Flood Threat Map
ABC News

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