Millions of Americans Face Severe Storms, Tornado and Flash Flood Threat as Storms Move East

Millions of Americans are facing a heightened risk of severe weather Thursday as thunderstorms move eastward from the Great Lakes toward major cities across the Northeast.

Forecasters are warning that some storms could bring damaging wind gusts, large hail and isolated tornadoes, while periods of intense rainfall could trigger flash flooding in parts of the region.

New York and Northeast Face Severe Weather Risk

New York City and surrounding areas are among the locations facing the threat as scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon and continue into the evening.

Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore are also under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather, with millions of residents potentially affected by the storms.

New York City Emergency Management issued a travel advisory for Thursday and warned residents about the possibility of torrential rainfall, damaging winds and localized flash flooding.

The city remains under a Flood Watch through Thursday evening, while several areas across the Tri-State region are also under flash flood warnings.

Heavy Rain Could Trigger Flash Flooding

Officials warned that some thunderstorms could produce very heavy rainfall in a short period of time.

That could lead to rapidly rising water, especially in areas with poor drainage, while strong wind gusts could create additional hazards for drivers and pedestrians.

A severe thunderstorm watch has also been issued for numerous counties across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, including areas covering New York City and surrounding communities.

Residents in affected areas are being urged to monitor weather alerts and avoid flooded roads.

Tropical Storm Dolly Also Forms in the Atlantic

The severe weather comes as Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, although the system is currently far from the United States.

The National Hurricane Center said Dolly was located roughly 1,555 miles east of the Leeward Islands and had maximum sustained winds of around 40 mph.

The storm was moving west and forecasters said it could bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Caribbean.

Dolly is the fourth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

Despite the timing of the storm’s name, officials stressed that Tropical Storm Dolly has no connection to singer and actress Dolly Parton.

Millions Urged to Stay Alert

With severe thunderstorms, flooding and tornadoes possible in parts of the Northeast, residents are being encouraged to keep an eye on local forecasts throughout Thursday.

Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly during periods of severe thunderstorms, making it important for people in affected areas to remain aware of emergency warnings.

Those traveling through the Northeast should also be prepared for potentially dangerous driving conditions caused by heavy rain, flooding and strong winds.