Severe thunderstorms, torrential rainfall, and flash floods caused significant devastation in the Northeast region over the weekend, resulting in the unfortunate loss of five lives in Pennsylvania. Additionally, major airports in the New York metropolitan area experienced flight disruptions, and power lines were brought down by the extreme weather conditions. In one particular area of Long Island, an astonishing five inches of rain fell within a span of less than two hours.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York emphasized the highly unstable weather conditions and issued warnings regarding the dangers of driving during flash floods. She urged drivers to exercise caution, as a seemingly safe environment could quickly transform into a life-threatening situation.
The suburbs north of Philadelphia, particularly the vicinity of Washington Crossing—renowned as the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776—suffered the greatest toll. On Saturday evening, a forceful stream of floodwater trapped eleven vehicles, ultimately sweeping away three of them.
Authorities reported that a family visiting from Charleston, South Carolina, encountered the intense flash flooding while traversing Washington Crossing Road en route to a barbecue. The family attempted to escape the rapidly rising floodwaters: the father held onto his 4-year-old son, while the mother and grandmother carried the additional two children, aged 9 months and 2 years.
Fortunately, the father and son managed to reach safety. Tragically, the mother and the two children were swept away by the powerful floodwaters. The search for the missing children was ongoing, while the mother was confirmed among the five casualties. Thankfully, the grandmother survived the ordeal and received medical treatment at a local hospital.
Rescue efforts were being carried out, but authorities acknowledged that the situation had shifted towards recovery. The fire chief of Upper Makefield in Bucks County, Tim Brewer, described the flash flood as an unprecedented event, with an estimated six to seven inches of rain falling in less than 45 minutes. The sudden rise of water took many by surprise, including eyewitnesses who had never witnessed such a deluge.
Eli Weissman, aged 65, recounted his harrowing experience of being trapped in the same flash flood at Washington Crossing with his 22-year-old daughter. Riding on his BMW motorcycle, they decided to head home despite the rain, which gradually intensified. As other vehicles began to halt, they suddenly found themselves confronted with a rush of water pouring down the road, reminiscent of a bursting dam.
Both Weissman and his daughter were thrown off the motorcycle and into the swiftly rising water, which reached a depth of approximately eight feet. Surrounding them were deserted cars, some of them overturned. Weissman recollected witnessing a mother leaving her car with an infant, suspecting they might have been part of the visiting family from Charleston, though he couldn't be certain.
After about 15 minutes, the water began to recede, allowing Weissman and his daughter to regain their footing. They carefully made their way to higher ground and were eventually picked up by Weissman's son. Weissman expressed his astonishment, stating that while he had encountered flooded roads and rapid water in the past, nothing compared to the ferocity of this flash flood.
Collin Mortensen, aged 17, a resident of Upper Makefield Township, described his encounter with the storm while making a food run. While driving his Ford Expedition, Mortensen witnessed a car sliding off the road and encountered the flooded route. Uncertain of successfully navigating through the deluge, he expressed his concerns during an interview at a Shell gasoline station where he was working the following day. As he departed from the market, emergency crews had begun blocking off intersections, diverting the torrential flow downstream toward the river.
The flash flooding in Pennsylvania on Saturday was followed by heavy rainfall and deluges across the Northeast on Sunday, prompting flash flood warnings in parts of Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and neighboring states. The eastern end of Long Island experienced a staggering five inches of rainfall within two hours.
The thunderstorms also disrupted flights at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Kennedy International Airport in New York. Maryland officials warned of "life-threatening flash flooding." New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, urging residents to remain cautious around flooded roads, fallen trees, and power lines.
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania expressed concern about the incoming severe weather and advised residents of Bucks County to stay alert and avoid flood-prone areas.
By late afternoon, emergency workers had reopened most of the roads in Bucks County, but the search for the missing children continued in the restricted area. While water levels had subsided, they remained higher than normal, and some roadside culverts remained swollen with fast-moving water.
Michael Adler, a resident of Holland, Pennsylvania, mentioned that heavy rain persisted in the region on Sunday afternoon, leading to increased anxiety among locals. With numerous creeks and underground waterways in the area, caution remained a priority for residents.
It is important to note that Patrick McGeehan in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, contributed to this report.