Heavy rains, floods swamp Mid-Atlantic

Drenching rain is forecast to trigger flooding across portions of the eastern U.S. on Thursday, and the heaviest rain and greatest flood risk will be across the Mid-Atlantic and central Appalachians.

The National Weather Service has posted flood watches and warnings in seven states: North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Rainfall totals are expected to be 3 to 6 inches. Higher totals will be possible in some areas, especially where heavy showers and thunderstorm activity develop repeatedly over the same areas.

The bulk of the flooding will be restricted to urban areas and along small streams, AccuWeather meteorologist Edward Vallee said.

Both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., are likely to be affected by urban flooding, AccuWeather said. Motorists should never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

Downpours, fog and a low cloud ceiling could also lead to occasional airline delays from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, New York City and eventually Boston.

Though a headache for commuters and travelers, the rainfall will be beneficial and put a dent in some of the rainfall deficits in the Mid-Atlantic states, parts of New York state, New England and the Ohio Valley, weather.com said.