Midweek Rain Snaps Eastern U.S. Dry Spell, Threatening Slick Commutes and Flash Flooding

Rain returning to the eastern United States starting Wednesday night could create hazardous driving conditions after weeks of dry weather, with accumulated oil, dust and fallen leaves making roads particularly slippery and contributing to travel delays.

A more significant flash flooding threat will follow Thursday night through Friday night, as heavy downpours could flood streets and overwhelm drainage systems from New York City to Boston and coastal New England.

“It doesn’t take a torrential downpour to create dangerous driving conditions. Even relatively light rain can make roads surprisingly slick after weeks of dry weather. That’s what makes this situation particularly concerning for commuters. The most hazardous conditions may develop before drivers realize there’s a problem,” said AccuWeather expert meteorologist Tyler Roys.

Rain Arrives Wednesday Night, Bringing Travel Concerns Thursday

Rain will spread across the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic and Northeast Wednesday night into Thursday, bringing wet conditions to cities including Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Buffalo, Raleigh and Charlotte. The first rainfall in weeks could make roads particularly slippery, while fallen leaves may clog storm drains and contribute to localized street flooding.

Thursday’s morning and evening commutes could be impacted, with wet leaves creating additional hazards on roadways. Fallen leaves blocking storm drains could also contribute to localized street flooding as rainfall increases.

Flash Flood Threat Increases Thursday Night Through Friday Night

As the storm and its trailing cold front move through the Northeast, moisture from the Atlantic could enhance downpours, increasing the potential for localized flash flooding.

• New York City and coastal New Jersey: Localized street flooding and travel disruptions
• Boston, Hartford and Manchester: Heavy downpours could overwhelm drainage systems
• Portland and coastal Maine: Heavy rainfall could trigger localized flooding and hazardous travel
• Atlantic City and Ocean City: Downpours could cause flooding in low-lying areas

The threat of heavy downpours and localized flash flooding could continue into Friday, particularly in urban areas and locations with poor drainage.