New York weather: Severe threat warning issued as thunderstorms barrel down

Strong winds and torrential downpours expected across I-95 corridor through Wednesday evening

Powerful thunderstorms are heading towards the northeast of the US with 56 million people at risk of severe weather.

Strong winds and torrential downpours can be expected from West Virginia to Washington, DC, Philadelphia, the New York region, and up to Springfield, Massachusetts, through Wednesday afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service issued a severe threat warning for New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley from 5pm to 9pm, with the storm expected to hit the city at approximately 6pm.

“A very humid air mass spreading out across the East on Wednesday is going to be a key ingredient which will cause some heavy thunderstorms to break out, especially in the central Appalachians and the mid-Atlantic region,” says AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski.

Damage to power lines and trees, as well as localised flooding are likely. Up to two inches of rain could fall on the region and wind speeds could hit 60mph. Hail of up to one inch in size and isolated weak tornadoes are also possibilities.

After passing over the major urban areas along the I-95 corridor, the storms will weaken as they move up into eastern New England.

The northeastern US has been experiencing intense heat and humidity and the storm will give the region some relief, “but it will come at a price,” Mr Babinski noted.