Pennsylvania was again plagued by heavy rainfall over the weekend, causing significant damage and disruption. This latest deluge comes just days after the region experienced flash flooding, which resulted in the submersion of roads and the displacement of numerous residents from their homes.
In recent events, the interior regions of New England and the Northeast have experienced a record-breaking rise in rainfall for the past month. These areas have witnessed a staggering 200% to 300% increase in their typical monthly rainfall levels. Unfortunately, this torrent of rain has resulted in a catastrophic flooding incident that unfolded last week, wreaking havoc in various parts of Vermont, New York, and western Massachusetts.
Flash flood warnings were issued for southern Connecticut and southeastern New York areas, remaining in effect until Sunday evening. This comes as a grim reminder, less than a week after a tragic incident where floodwaters claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman and caused extensive damage amounting to millions of dollars in the Empire State.
In a recent announcement on Twitter, Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her willingness to assist communities in New York State as they face substantial rainfall again.
Torrential Rains Cause Car Displacement in Upper Makefield Township, Bucks County
Upper Makefield Township, located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, experienced a deluge of torrential rains on Saturday evening, resulting in the unfortunate displacement of multiple vehicles in the Washington Crossing area. According to local officials, the incident took place at approximately 5:30 pm. The heavy rainfall unleashed its fury upon the region, leading to the forceful sweeping away of several cars.
Authorities have confirmed that at least five individuals have lost their lives, while two young children, a 9-month-old boy and his 2-year-old sister, are still missing. The authorities are currently engaged in a search and rescue operation to locate the missing children.
Vermont and other regions along the East Coast encountered substantial rainfall on Wednesday. In the wake of persistent flooding, authorities in the affected region have warned about the looming threat of landslides.
President Joe Biden signed an emergency declaration for Vermont, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to send in much-required help.
Jennifer Morrison, Vermont’s commissioner of public safety, has indicated that the state’s recovery would take years if not years.
In a significant disruption to air travel, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey witnessed the cancellation of over 350 flights. In comparison, Kennedy International Airport in New York experienced the cancellation of more than 280 flights. These cancellations have left countless passengers stranded and inconvenienced. In addition, many flights have experienced delays, affecting numerous additional travelers.
Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut was compelled to shut down on Sunday due to severe flooding. In a recent announcement on social media, the local small airport has revealed that its terminal will be temporarily closed until further notice. The airport, which exclusively operates daily commercial flights through Avelo Airlines, took to Twitter to inform passengers and the public about the closure.
In a recent announcement, the transportation agency revealed that rail lines across Vermont had suffered significant damage. However, the agency since reported that many rail lines have been reopened for public use. A total of 57 miles (92 kilometers) of rail lines have been successfully restored.
Also, the agency reported that 211 bridge inspections had been carried out this week in areas that have suffered significant damage.
Manchester, New Hampshire, the largest city in northern New England, has taken proactive measures to address the impact of severe weather by opening its emergency operations center.
Roads were blocked in northern New Jersey on Sunday as workmen repaired collapsed concrete due to the severe rain and floods. A rockslide closed down Route 46, and nearby waterways flooded over passages. The streets were reported to be a filthy sludge-covered jumble of water and pebbles.
In a recent statement, Michael E. Mann, a distinguished professor and climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, has shed light on the troubling impact of steady warming and atmospheric changes. According to Mann, these factors are effectively “supercharging” ordinary weather events, increasing their duration and intensity.
In what climate experts call a “perfect storm” scenario, this summer has witnessed a series of extreme weather events that have resulted in devastating floods in the Northeast and scorching heat waves in various regions across the globe, notably the Southwestern United States.