Millions of people along the East Coast are bracing for severe weather conditions as thunderstorms and heavy rainstorms sweep across the region. With nearly 17 million individuals under flood watches, the highest risk for flooding extends to the Northeast.

Cities like Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Savannah, and Myrtle Beach are at risk of experiencing strong to severe storms on Saturday. The Isle of Palms Police Department in South Carolina has already reported rising water levels, rendering many roads impassable for smaller vehicles. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, cautioning against the hazards of driving through flooded areas.

The primary threats anticipated from these storms are damaging winds and the possibility of isolated tornadoes. However, as Saturday night progresses, the severity of the weather should diminish, leading to a quieter and cooler Sunday for most of the eastern part of the country. This trend is expected to continue into the beginning of the following week.

The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions will face a rainy Saturday, with precipitation starting in the morning for cities like Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. The rain is projected to reach New York City and Boston by the afternoon. As evening approaches, heavy rainfall will encompass the entire I-95 corridor.

The Northeast has already experienced significant rainfall throughout the week, causing the ground to become saturated. Recent winter precipitation has been up to 200% above normal in some areas of the region, exacerbating the flood risk. Furthermore, parts of upstate New York and New England are forecast to receive heavy, wet snowfall. Winter storm alerts are now in effect for northern New York State, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Mountainous regions in upstate New York and New England could see snow accumulation ranging from 6 to 12 inches, while the northern Adirondacks in New York and certain peaks in the White Mountains of New Hampshire may receive over a foot of snow from this late-season storm.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.