# Flood watches across the United States

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/flood-watches-across-the-united-states
> Updated: 2026-09-12T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Heavy rainfall and saturated ground have triggered widespread flood watches across various regions of the United States.

In mid-August, flood watches were issued for parts of eastern Illinois and northwest Indiana. Forecasters warned that thunderstorms delivering 1 to 3 inches of rain could worsen existing flooding and cause the White River to reach the action stage, potentially submerging low-lying roads.

By mid-September, the threat of flash flooding expanded to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. In New York City, officials activated a Flash Flood Emergency Plan and opened 51 safe overnight locations at public schools to assist residents, particularly those in basement apartments or flood-prone areas. The National Weather Service expects 1.5 to 3 inches of rain across the city, with totals potentially reaching 5 to 7 inches in eastern Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.

In the Pittsburgh region and western Pennsylvania, a flood watch remains in effect through Sunday morning. Saturated ground and elevated creeks have increased the risk of flash flooding, with rainfall totals potentially reaching two to four inches near the city. This watch extends to portions of eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia. Additional flood watches cover parts of New Jersey, Delaware, and surrounding areas, where excessive runoff is expected to impact rivers, creeks, and low-lying locations.

Severe thunderstorms and heavy precipitation have since caused significant travel disruptions across the Northeast. Hundreds of flights were delayed at major hubs, including Boston Logan, JFK, and LaGuardia airports. In areas such as Long Island and southern Connecticut, rainfall totals may reach between 5 and 7 inches. Local authorities in Greenwich, Connecticut, and several Pennsylvania counties have issued warnings regarding rising creeks and potential road closures, urging motorists to avoid flooded roads.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Northeast US faces widespread flash flooding and flight delays

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have triggered widespread flash flood warnings across the Northeast US, causing significant flight delays at major airports and prompting NYC to open emergency shelters.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flood-watch-issued-for-new-york-new-jersey-pennsylvania-and-delaware

### 2026-08-19: Flood Watch issued for parts of Illinois and Indiana

Flood watches are in effect for eastern Illinois and northwest Indiana as heavy thunderstorms threaten to worsen flooding on saturated ground and submerge low-lying roads.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flood-watch-issued-for-parts-of-illinois-and-indiana

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Cite as: Flood watches across the United States. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/flood-watches-across-the-united-states