Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Widespread heavy rain is expected to soak the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday, with localized flash flooding possible in areas like Harrisburg, Baltimore, and northern Virginia. Though river flooding is not forecast, quick rises in creeks and streams could threaten low-lying neighborhoods and rural roadways by late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service’s Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center, storms will begin to intensify late Wednesday into Thursday morning. A broad swath stretching from eastern West Virginia through Pennsylvania and into southern New York could receive 2 to 4 inches of rain by Thursday evening, with isolated pockets seeing even more.
The highest rainfall totals are projected along the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia, with hazards for flash flooding in urban areas, small stream basins, and flood-prone zones. Emergency managers are urging residents to avoid underpasses, monitor local alerts, and never drive across flooded roadways.
Localized downpours may overwhelm storm drains in cities like Allentown, Frederick, and Richmond. Even brief heavy showers could impact commutes and delay flights along the Northeast corridor.
The heaviest rainfall threat will taper off overnight Thursday, but scattered storms could linger into Friday. Additional advisories may be issued if totals exceed current models.
