Severe thunderstorms with violent winds, hail and tornadoes lashed at the northeastern U.S. on Tuesday.
Flights were delayed and local public transportation services were disrupted while some drivers of private vehicles were left stuck in their cars.
A state of emergency was issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo in part of New York following the thunderstorm and members of the New York National Guard were mobilized to assist in the recovery operations.
I’m declaring a State of Emergency in Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Sullivan counties as they recover from severe thunderstorms, and deploying members of the New York National Guard to assist with recovery operations.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 16, 2018
Downed trees and some roof damage have been reported, and there were power interruptions for more than half a million people across New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Hail as large as baseballs was also reported in New York. An 11-year-old Newburgh, NY girl was killed when a tree fell on the car she was in.
At the peak of rush hour, passengers in the Grand Central Terminal were told that operation of several Metro-North lines was suspended due to the storm, leaving passengers frustrated.
Delays were also reported at JFK, La Guardia and Newark airports.
A flash flood emergency has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Frederick, Maryland. Many roads were closed across the city because of flooding. Emergency crews were reported to have conducted water rescues.
Six, including this child, were rescued from three vehicles trapped in floodwater at the intersection of N Market St and Schifferstadt Blvd in #FrederickMD. @frednewspost pic.twitter.com/nrQfrPeD53
— Graham Cullen (@FNP_Cullen) May 16, 2018
At least three deaths have been reported due to the storm.
