The National Weather Service cautioned of severe thunderstorms in the Northeast, with the potential for lightning, large hail, strong gusts, and even a few tornadoes until Tuesday morning.
After a tumultuous holiday weekend that claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals, wild weather swept into the Northeast on Monday afternoon, placing over 30 million people under a severe thunderstorm watch.
The National Weather Service announced that the watch, spanning Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City, Syracuse, and other major metropolitan areas, expired late Monday night. However, they cautioned that severe thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning, large hail, strong gusts, and potentially a few tornadoes, remained possible in the Northeast until Tuesday morning.
Federal forecasters predicted rainfall from the Gulf Coast to the Eastern Seaboard.
The storm watches marked the culmination of a turbulent weekend across Southern states and the Great Plains. Eight fatalities were reported in Arkansas, seven in Texas, two in Oklahoma, and at least five in Kentucky, all stemming from weather-related incidents, including falling trees.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear revealed in a Monday morning news conference that the casualties in his state included individuals from various counties, underscoring the widespread impact. He described Sunday as a “tragic night,” noting that one person was fighting for their life.
The NWS conducted a preliminary damage survey in Kentucky, identifying an EF-3 tornado in the Eddyville area on Sunday. An EF-3 rating indicates sustained winds ranging from 136 to 165 mph.
Furthermore, the weather service announced plans to assess the damage in Muhlenberg County later in the week.