Devastating Floods Cause Billions in Damages and Claim One Life in U.S. Northeast
Massive floods hit the U.S. Northeast, causing billions in damages and resulting in one fatality. The storms disrupted transportation services and prompted swift boat rescues in heavily affected areas.
The Northeast region of the United States was hit by devastating floods on Monday, with more than 13 million Americans under flood watches and warnings. Private forecaster AccuWeather estimated the damages and economic losses at $3 billion to $5 billion. The storms also caused more than 1,000 flights to be delayed or canceled, and Amtrak and the Metro-North commuter railroad both suspended passenger train services due to track damage. Vermont was the hardest hit, with some areas receiving up to 8 inches of rain.
This prompted 50 swift boat rescues, with a dozen campers in Andover needing to be rescued when a bridge washed out and blocked the only way in or out. The flooding was called the worst since Hurricane Irene in 2011. New York was also severely impacted, with Stormville receiving more than 8 inches of rain. Tragically, the weather claimed the life of an Orange County woman who was swept away by floodwaters as she attempted to leave her home with her dog. Video and photos posted on social media showed the extent of the flooding, with washed-out roadways and raging floodwaters reaching homes.
The National Weather Service warned of further flooding hazards overnight and into Tuesday, urging people to remain vigilant and move to higher ground if necessary. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the power of Mother Nature and a stark reminder of the need to be prepared for natural disasters.