Severe Storms Bring Flash Flooding and Power Outages to the Northeast

Severe thunderstorms brought torrential rain and flash flooding to the Northeast on July 6, 2026, affecting millions across New York, New Jersey, and surrounding states. The storms broke a intense heat wave that had gripped the region, but brought new dangers including rainfall rates of up to two inches per hour. Mayor Zohran Mamdani activated New York City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan, urging residents to limit travel and evacuate basement apartments. The National Weather Service issued Level 3 flash flood risks for parts of the region, with forecasts predicting 3 to 6 inches of total rainfall in some areas.

The weather system caused significant disruption, leaving over 400,000 customers without power, particularly in Pennsylvania and Michigan. In New Jersey, heavy rain caused the roof of a BJ's Wholesale Club to collapse, though all occupants escaped safely. The storms followed a deadly heat dome that officials in New Jersey were investigating as a possible cause of 29 deaths. Emergency crews responded to flooded roadways, downed trees, and structural damage while bracing for additional rounds of storms through Monday night.