NYC is hit by a sudden storm that has canceled more than 200 flights in New York and New Jersey as locals share concerns about ‘spooky clouds’ and forecasters warn the East Coast could soon be hit by Cat-5, Hurricane Lee with a speed of 265 km/h
- Severe thunderstorms have passed over the east coast
- The weather front is preventing Cat-5 Hurricane Lee from making landfall as expected
- Travel chaos hit the region as more than 200 flights were canceled
New York City and Boston are preparing for Category 5 Hurricane Lee to make landfall, but the East Coast is already experiencing heavy thunderstorms that will last through the weekend.
The region has been experiencing high temperatures and humidity in recent weeks, but both major metros are expected to be washed out by Friday evening.
The weather front has brought travel chaos to the skies as more than 200 flights have already been canceled from JFK, Newark and LaGuardia airports, according to Flight conscious.
As thunderstorms rolled in, residents took to social media to share images of ominous clouds filling the New York sky in a sign of what’s to come.
Hurricane Lee is barreling towards the East Coast and is expected to make landfall next week after severe weather hit the region on Friday evening
The storms followed sweltering temperatures on the East Coast, where the mercury in New York City topped 90 degrees for three straight days for the first time all year.
A heat warning is still in effect in New York City and parts of New Jersey as the heavy front moving in resembles a tropical storm.
Officials are bracing for damage as high winds, heavy rain and possible hail could cause flash flooding and structural damage in some areas.
Reports indicate that trees and power lines have been downed in New Jersey, and a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for nearly the entire tri-state area until 11 p.m. Friday.
Flash flood warnings have also been issued for large parts of the Hudson Valley after a period of dry and hot conditions.
Friday’s storms are expected to be the start of several weather bombshells that will hit the region on Monday, while heavy rainfall is expected to continue throughout the week as temperatures drop.
The severe weather is notable as fears grow over Hurricane Lee, which was recorded as a Category 1 hurricane on Thursday before escalating to a Category 5 overnight.
Lee has picked up steam as it thunders toward the coastline, with winds exceeding 130 mph.
Forecasters have struggled to determine Hurricane Lee’s exact path, leading to varying estimates about the extent of damage it could cause.
Hurricane Lee escalated from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane on Thursday night, sparking fears it could tear apart the East Coast
The hurricane barreled through open water in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, skirting the northeastern Caribbean and missing Puerto Rico as it headed toward the United States.
Forecasters have struggled to determine Hurricane Lee’s exact path, leading to varying estimates about the extent of damage it could cause to the East Coast.