Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding Threaten East Coast Through Weekend
The East Coast and Ohio Valley are bracing for a series of strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall from Friday through Sunday, fueled by a high-pressure system off the coast and an approaching cold front (FOX Weather). Rainfall rates could reach up to 2.5 inches per hour in the strongest storms, with widespread totals of 0.5 to 1 inch and localized amounts exceeding 2 inches. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 5 severe thunderstorm risk for areas from southwestern Connecticut to the Delmarva, including the I-95 corridor from New York City to Washington, D.C. Heat alerts are also in effect from Philadelphia to Boston, with heat index values potentially exceeding 100°F (37.8°C). 
