Northeast braces for system that spawned damaging twisters

ABC News

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Video Summary

A powerful storm system is impacting the United States, causing severe weather across the Midwest and the Northeast. Following a series of tornadoes in Illinois and Wisconsin, including an EF3 tornado with 140 mph winds, the storm system has shifted toward the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Millions are under threat from heavy rainfall, with potential rates of up to three inches per hour, leading to significant flash flood risks and widespread travel disruptions.

Authorities have reported extensive damage in areas like Menasha, Wisconsin, where homes were displaced and vehicles overturned. Meanwhile, the Northeast is bracing for a level three out of four flood risk, with meteorologists warning of potential rainfall totals exceeding six inches in parts of New England. Over 8,000 flights have been delayed or canceled nationwide as the severe weather continues to move through the region.

Short Highlights

An EF3 tornado with 140 mph winds struck Wisconsin, causing significant structural damage.
Rainfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour are expected in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic.
Over 2,000 flights were canceled and 6,000 delayed across the U.S.
A level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk is in effect for parts of New England.

Key Details

Midwest Tornado Outbreak [0:15]

At least five tornadoes were reported across Illinois and Wisconsin within a 24-hour period.
An EF3 tornado with winds reaching 140 mph caused severe destruction in Menasha, Wisconsin.
Officials believe the twister that ripped through here was at least an EF3 with powerful winds of up to 140 miles per hour.

Impact on Residents [1:15]

Residents in the path of the storms described harrowing experiences as homes were damaged and windows shattered.
An apartment complex in the Chicago suburbs was rendered uninhabitable by the severe weather.
I was laying on the ground and my windows were shattering and it was glass flying around my house.

Northeast Flood Threat [1:55]

A dangerous storm system is moving into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, bringing a high risk of flash flooding.
Meteorologists noted that a level three out of four flood risk is unusual for this region, typically seen only in tropical systems.
Rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches an hour possible in Philly and New York City, right into the Hudson Valley of New York.

Travel and Future Outlook [2:35]

The severe weather has caused significant disruptions to air travel, with thousands of flights affected.
The storm system is expected to continue impacting the I-95 corridor and New England throughout the night.
It's a rough 24 hours in the northeast.