East Coast Flooding Kills Boy, Disrupts Transit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A 13-year-old boy died after being swept into a storm drain during intense flooding in Maryland. Torrential rains lashed the East Coast, causing travel chaos, power outages, and flash floods. Officials warn of continued storm threats from the mid-Atlantic to New England.
East Coast Flooding Tragedy Quick Looks
- A 13-year-old boy in Mount Airy, Maryland died after being swept into a storm drain.
- Torrential rains flooded neighborhoods, highways, and train stations across the East Coast.
- Storms caused power outages, emergency rescues, and transportation disruptions.
- New York, New Jersey, and Maryland were among the hardest-hit regions.
- Nearly 5 inches of rain fell in parts of Maryland, with 6 inches in Joppatowne.
- Major airports experienced delays and cancellations across New York, Boston, and D.C.
- Subways and commuter trains resumed normal schedules by Friday morning.
- Officials urge residents to avoid flooded areas and stay in higher ground.
East Coast Flooding Kills Boy, Disrupts Transit
Deep Look
A powerful storm system swept across the U.S. East Coast on Thursday, unleashing torrential rain, flash flooding, and transportation chaos from Philadelphia to New York City. Amid the dangerous conditions, a 13-year-old boy tragically lost his life in Mount Airy, Maryland after being swept into a storm drain during a heavy downpour.
According to Doug Alexander, spokesperson for the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, the boy had been playing with other children in a communal area between apartment complexes when rapidly rising floodwaters surged through. He was caught in the current and pulled into a storm pipe.
“People tried to help, but the water pressure was too strong,” Alexander said. “After the rain slowed, they managed to recover him — but it was too late.”
Mount Airy, a town of roughly 10,000 residents located about 30 miles west of Baltimore, experienced some of the heaviest rainfall in the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported nearly 5 inches of rain falling there on Thursday, with nearby Joppatowne receiving 6 inches.
Storms Slam the Northeast
The massive weather front pummeled areas from Maryland to Massachusetts, triggering flash flood warnings and prompting emergency rescues. In New York City, floodwaters surged into train stations, subways, and across major roadways, creating dangerous conditions for commuters.
Videos and images showed:
- Water pouring onto Metro North commuter trains at Grand Central Terminal.
- Streets submerged in midtown Manhattan, forcing pedestrians to wade through traffic.
- Emergency crews assisting stranded motorists along key highways.
By Friday morning, subway and commuter rail lines in the New York area had returned to normal service after being temporarily shut down due to high water.
Travel Disruptions Across the Region
The storms caused delays and cancellations at airports across the Eastern Seaboard. According to FlightAware, dozens of flights were impacted at hubs in New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Friday morning. Although most routes resumed by midday, residual delays affected schedules across the region.
Meanwhile, Amtrak service between Philadelphia and Wilmington was halted Thursday evening after water flooded the tracks. By later that night, Amtrak announced service had been restored, and water levels were receding.
Power Outages and Safety Concerns
The storms also knocked out power for thousands of homes and businesses. As of Friday morning, PowerOutage.us reported:
- Nearly 5,000 customers without power in New York
- 3,800 in Virginia
- 2,500 in both Maryland and Pennsylvania
Local officials in multiple states urged residents to exercise extreme caution, especially those living in basement apartments, which are more vulnerable to flooding.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a public warning on Thursday urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and relocate to higher ground if possible. Emergency alerts highlighted the risk of urban flooding continuing into Friday night, particularly across the northern mid-Atlantic and southern New England.
Record Rainfall and a Warning for What’s Next
The NWS reported that certain areas of New York, New Jersey, and Long Island saw rainfall totals exceeding 3 to 4 inches, with some isolated spots nearing 5 inches. These extreme downpours in short periods overwhelmed drainage systems, roadways, and transit infrastructure.
With more rainfall forecasted, meteorologists warn of the potential for additional flash flooding, particularly in low-lying urban areas.
As the climate continues to warm, storms like this — once rare — are becoming more frequent and severe. Experts say municipalities across the East Coast must prepare for greater infrastructure demands, better stormwater management, and improved emergency response systems to cope with future weather events.
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