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38 Million Under Threat: Tornadoes, Flooding and Severe Storms Hit
Northeast severe weather threatens 38 million people with tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding across major cities.
By  Ernesto Iván Vargas Martínez
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Tormentas severas en Nueva York ponen a millones en alerta
Foto Shutterstock

Posted on 08/28/26 at 06:00

  • 38 million under threat
  • New York faces tornadoes
  • Floods threaten the Northeast

More than 38 million people face a severe weather threat in the Northeast United States on Thursday as a large cold front advances.

The system, which caused storms in the Great Lakes on Wednesday, may generate heavy rain, hail, dangerous gusts, and even some tornadoes during the afternoon and night.

Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore are under a level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat, while New York is also among the areas under watch.

Deteriorating weather conditions are already impacting air travel, with disruptions announced at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Severe Storms in New York Put Millions on Alert

New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore are under a level 1 out of 5 tornado threat due to the possibility that some storms may develop rotation.

FOX’s Forecast Center noted that this is the seventh time in 2026 that the New York metropolitan area is at risk of tornadoes.

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“This is the seventh time this year that the metropolitan area has been declared at risk of tornadoes by the Storm Prediction Center. Last year it was only once,” it stated.

The storms could organize into supercells and produce gusts over 60 mph, as well as large hail and intense rain.

Philadelphia and New York Also Face Flood Threat

The cold front not only poses a threat due to strong winds, but the precipitation could also cause flash flooding in vulnerable urban areas.

More than 25 million people are under flood watches that stretch from Philadelphia to the New York City area.

Some areas could receive localized accumulations of over one or two inches of rain by early Friday morning, exacerbating potential drainage problems.

Philadelphia has already recorded four flash flood alerts in 2026, three of them in August, and has exceeded its monthly average rainfall by more than 1.5 inches.

Severe Storms Threaten Flights and Travel in the Northeast

The period of highest risk will begin during the afternoon and could last until night as atmospheric instability increases ahead of the cold front.

The adverse conditions can also cause problems for those who need to travel by road or use airports in the major affected cities.

In New York, the weather conditions led John F. Kennedy International Airport to announce disruptions for travelers, so it is crucial to check each flight before traveling.

The impact could continue into early Friday morning due to the rain, especially in areas where the storms dump large amounts of water in a short time.

What Should Those Living in the Affected Areas Know?

  • Why it matters: More than 38 million face severe storm risk, while flood watches affect over 25 million.
  • The fact: Some storms could produce gusts of 60 mph or higher, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.
  • The process: The cold front advances east and will encounter favorable conditions for storms during the afternoon and night.
  • What they can do: Check local weather alerts, avoid flooded roads, and consult directly with the airline before going to the airport.

Source: Fox Weather.

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