More than 850 domestic and international flights have been canceled at several East Coast airports due to severe weather conditions in the region.
Thunderstorms have especially affected travelers departing or arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport (New Jersey). According to FlightAware, about 40% of flights were canceled and another 35% were delayed. Newark Liberty's social networks warned of the situation:
Weather conditions have caused flight disruptions at #EWR airport. Please check with your airline to determine the status of your flight.
Weather conditions have caused #EWR Airport flight disruptions. Please check with your airline to determine the status of your flight.
— Newark Liberty International Airport (@EWRairport) June 26, 2023
Others affected: LaGuardia Airport with 115 canceled flights, John F. Kennedy International Airport with more than 70 and Boston Logan International Airport with nearly 60.
Severe weather conditions will continue
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the East Coast would experience thunderstorms that would bring heavy rain, wind and hail through Tuesday morning. However, more severe weather conditions are expected over the next few days in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina.
The hazards associated with these thunderstorms are frequent lightning, strong thunderstorm wind gusts, hail, and a minimal threat of tornadoes.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for western/central New York, central/eastern Pennsylvania, and parts of New Jersey until 9 PM EDT. Scattered damaging winds and isolated large hail are expected this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/bPYt388Qa5
— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) June 26, 2023
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has warned of "flash floods" that could be generated by the weather phenomenon:
Severe weather is expected across the state this week, bringing with it persistent rain, thunderstorms and the potential for flash flooding. Our state agencies are preparing emergency response assets and we are in close contact with local governments across the state to ensure they are prepared. I encourage all New Yorkers to monitor their local weather forecasts, pay attention to alerts and plan accordingly.
This week, we are expecting both severe weather with the potential to cause flash flooding and unhealthy air quality due to the Canadian wildfires to impact much of the state.
I encourage all New Yorkers to monitor local forecasts and take steps to prepare ⤵️— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 26, 2023
In Philadelphia, thunderstorms with heavy rain and high winds have already caused severe flooding and downed trees. NBC Philadelphia's Karen Hua reported the situation on social media:
Heavy rain overnight has left flooding as it is. University Ave here is blocked, but it's rush hour, so some cars are pushing through at their own risk.
The heavy rain overnight has left flooding like this. University Ave here is blocked off, buttttttt it’s rush hour—so some cars are pushing through at their own risk. @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/0Rxkyp7sVP
— Karen Hua (@K_Hua) June 27, 2023
Extreme heat in Texas
At the other end of the country, hot weather will break records for excessive temperature rises. Residents in and around Texas continue to face an intense heat wave that turned deadly after a boy and his stepfather died while taking a hike in Big Bend National Park. According to NWS Fort Worth:
The stagnant upper-level ridge over the south-central U.S. and the resulting multi-week heat wave will not only continue, but will begin to expand over the next few days as the ridge develops northeastward. Maximum temperatures from southeastern Arizona to southern New Mexico and into Texas will remain in the 100s on Tuesday, with upper 90s to 100 extending northward into the Central Plains and Middle/Lower Missouri Valley, as well as eastward into the Lower Mississippi Valley on Wednesday.
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for all of North and Central TX through Wednesday as high temps climb above 100 degrees and heat indices approach 115. #txwx pic.twitter.com/BLGiUfe5sP
— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) June 27, 2023
