Storms Cancel Over 2,000 Flights and Spawn Tornadoes Across Northeast

Over 2,000 flights were canceled on July 21, 2026, as severe thunderstorms and tornadoes moved through the Northeast. , recorded the largest disruptions, with ground stops also ordered at Boston and Baltimore. A tornado watch remained in effect from Delaware through Philadelphia, New York City and into upstate New York through the afternoon and evening.

Multiple tornado warnings were issued in New Jersey, and at least three tornadoes touched down in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The storms produced damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail and rainfall rates above one inch per hour. Flash flooding posed the primary threat along the Interstate 95 corridor from Philadelphia to Connecticut.

Flooded roadways were reported in Bergen County, New Jersey, and Westchester County, New York. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to exercise caution. "Go inside if there's thunder, heavy rain, or strong winds," he said.

Severe thunderstorm watches covered areas from Missouri to Virginia, including Louisville, Charleston, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. Flooding was also expected in Tennessee. Tuesday's storms followed similar heavy rain that flooded New York City streets on July 18.

In Des Moines, Iowa, nearly two dozen cars were stranded and five people were rescued from flooding on July 20.