(CN) — A massive winter storm lashed the Southeast and East Coast on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, flooding and high winds across a wide swath of the country.
“Widespread hazardous weather impacts are expected for the eastern third of the U.S. in association with this low pressure system, and numerous warnings and advisories are now in effect from the local National Weather Service forecast offices,” forecasters said in their discussion post. “One of the big things making weather headlines will be the widespread expanse of heavy rain capable of producing flooding from the Florida Panhandle all the way north to southern Maine.”
Flood watches have been issued in thirteen states from Georgia to Maine as the storm slowly moves up the Interstate 95 corridor.
High winds in excess of 50 mph are also expected in the storm’s path, which could knock out power for millions. Along coastal areas, winds could reach hurricane-force speeds of more than 74 mph.
As of midday Tuesday, hundreds of thousands of homes were without power from Florida to New York, according to poweroutage.us.
Tornadoes hit Florida’s panhandle region earlier on Tuesday, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency for 49 counties.
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said tornadoes touched down around Panama City, tearing off roofs and bringing down power lines.
“We’ve already rescued people out of structures,” Ford said in a Facebook post, urging people to stay off the roads.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper also declared a state of emergency, warning of flash floods and damage to the state’s coast where areas could see wind gusts up to 75 mph.
"Be sure your emergency kits are up to date and pay attention to the weather in your area, especially any weather alerts such as flash flood warnings," Cooper said in a press release.
Forecasters predict that the northeast could see heightened flooding due to snow already on the ground in several states that could melt and cause water to crest riverbanks. Forecasters said the region could see up to 3 inches of rain.
Cities from Atlanta and Washington to Philadelphia and New York issued flood watches for Tuesday into Wednesday morning.
“Given that multiple warnings and advisories have been issued citywide, including the potential for significant coastal flooding in southern Queens, I urge all New Yorkers to take this storm seriously,” New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said during a press conference.
In Roanoke, Virginia, Jessica Williams said her neighborhood has seen consistent wind and rain all day — but no flooding.
“I’m hoping I don’t have to go to work tonight,” the 27-year-old server said. “I don’t want to be on the road tonight if the river starts to flood.”
Amanda Fisher, who lives in East Haddam, Connecticut, also worried about flooding from a river near her home. The state is expected to receive up to 3 inches of rain tonight.
“It literally just started raining,” the 43-year-old said. “The sky got black and it just opened up.”
“It’s going to be a mess,” she added. “Fingers crossed, I guess.”
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