Severe thunderstorms slam Eastern United States, over 800 000 customers without power

Severe thunderstorms pushed through the Eastern United States on Thursday, October 31, 2019, knocking down trees and power lines that affected over 800 000 customers. As of Friday morning, November 1, more than 300 preliminary reports of severe weather were received by the NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center – the most in a 24-hour period in the U.S. since June 30.

More than 800 000 customers in 14 states from Michigan to Virginia to Maine were left without power. According to estimates, at least 51 to 127 mm (2 to 5 inches) of rain fell in parts of eastern Pennsylvania and eastern New York on October 31.

Thursday’s rainfall shattered records across Upstate NY. Syracuse got 46.7 mm (1.84 inches), a full inch higher than the previous record for October 31. Watertown recorded 46.9 mm (1.85 inches), Buffalo 36.3 mm (1.43 inches) and Rochester 27.6 mm (1.09 inches), all records for the date.

On November 1, officials released flood emergency warnings for the village of Frankfort in southern Herkimer County, New York, though 11:30 LT.

The harsh weather prompted authorities to close several roads. People also got trapped in their homes and vehicles.

Water levels on West Canada Creek at Kast Bridge east of Utica, New York, has dethroned their previous record crest set in 1943. The Sacandaga River at Hope, New York, also topped its record crest from 1981. The Mohawk River at Little Falls, New York, also beat its previous record crest from 2006.

Authorities reported major flooding at Lake Pleasant, as well as several mudslides closing State Route 200 and blocking Route 5S. Parts of northern Vermont were also affected by floodwaters, resulting in road closures.

The Missisquoi River at East Berkshire, Vermont, near the Canadian border, was expected to crest at its highest level in 73 years, likely threatening a few homes near the river. Widespread high winds brought down trees from Georgia to New England on Thursday night, October 31.

Multiple tornado warnings were released on October 31 into November 1, including one for Philadelphia.  A tornado debris signature was seen on radar near Radnor, PA. At least eight homes in Thornbury Township west of Philadelphia were affected, according to WPVI-TV.  As of early Friday morning, no new tornadoes had been confirmed yet.

Police officers in Horsham Township prompted residents to avoid hitting the roads until further notice. "We have trees and debris down all over the township."

Strong winds also knocked down trees in Buffalo, New York, causing road blockage to 20 city streets. High winds sweeping across Lake Erie has resulted in lakeshore flooding, leading to the closure of a stretch of Route 5 south of downtown Buffalo on November 1.

Floodwaters spread across the north shore of Lake Erie between Dunnville and Port Colbourne, Ontario. Similar lakeshore flooding was also reported along the eastern side of Lake Ontario in Oswego, New York, early Friday, November 1.

Featured image credit: NASA/GOES-East. Acquired 20:20 UTC on October 31, 2019