Powerful Storms Batter Northeast After Tearing Through Much of U.S.

A powerful storm system that wreaked havoc across the majority of the United States has set its sights on the Northeast, where heavy rains and strong winds are causing flooding, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions.

Over 250,000 homes and businesses had lost electricity in the region by Wednesday afternoon as the storms rolled through, toppling trees and electrical infrastructure.

The extreme weather brought rainfall exceeding 4 inches in parts of Pennsylvania, turning roads into rivers and requiring emergency responders to rescue stranded motorists.

Philadelphia experienced its highest storm surge on record along the Delaware River, which was feeling the effects of the storm despite being far inland. With the ground still waterlogged in areas from prior storms, even modest rainfall led to flooded neighborhoods and roadways across New Jersey and New York.

Gusts as high as 95 mph were measured along the coast of Maine, where the winds and rain cancelled schools and government functions.