Flooding rainfall to accompany cooler air in the northeastern US into Tuesday

By Courtney Spamer, AccuWeather meteorologist

September 09, 2018, 9:41:38 AM EDT

The same Gordon-enhanced system that brought flooding rain across much of the Midwest over the weekend will shift into the Northeast early this week, bringing with it the chance for flooding.

Cool weather that infiltrated the Northeast over the weekend will stick around for the first half of the week and be accompanied by wet weather as well.

The steadiest rain will move across eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania into Sunday night, with the storm moving into New York on Monday, and then eventually New England by Tuesday.

The inclement weather forced the Pittsburgh Pirates to postpone their gameagainst the Miami Marlins that was originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Because the system will be moving rather slowly, it will be bringing rounds of rain to the same areas for more than one day. Such a pattern favors flooding issues.

“Widespread rainfall amounts of 3-6 inches is expected from western Pennsylvania to Maine and southern Quebec early this week,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Maggie Samuhel.

Places east of the Appalachians may see lower rainfall amounts, which will be welcome for areas that were pummeled with rain for the second half of the summer.

The highest rainfall totals will likely be concentrated across western Pennsylvania, western New York and central New York, including the cities of Pittsburgh; Binghamton and Syracuse, New York. These areas are most likely to reach the AccuWeather Local StormMax&Trade; of nine inches.

The risk for flooding in these regions will be highest, especially in the Binghamton area, that had more than 200 percent of their normal rainfall for the month of August.

Residents in this area should monitor nearby creeks and rivers carefully, and motorists are reminded to never drive through flooded roadways. The water on the roads may be much deeper than it appears, and the road surface could even be washed away. To do so may not only damage your vehicle, but also put your life and others lives at risk.

Download the free AccuWeather app for the latest information, including flood advisories, watches and warnings.

Gusty winds accompanying the downpours could lead to isolated tree damage and power outages, especially across the eastern Great Lakes.

While the cooldown will make extended periods of outdoor activities much safer, the chilly air may come as a shock to those that enjoy the warmer weather. If proper attire is not worn in damp, rainy weather, the body can quickly become chilled, which increases the likelihood of becoming sick.

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Lower rainfall amounts outside of these regions still have the potential to cause flooding woes.

Lingering drought conditions continue across northwestern New York, north of the Buffalo area, as well as across northern Upstate New York, much of Vermont and New Hampshire, and southern Maine.

“In these areas, a light and steady rainfall would be welcome to help alleviate the drought,” added Samuhel.

Training waves of rain, however, could bring too much rain too quickly. Should this occur, these areas could experience excessive run-off and flooding.

The cool and wet weather is likely to ease by midweek. High pressure will move in bringing drier conditions and some sunshine.

Temperatures are also likely to rebound towards weeks end; some of this could be dependent on the track of Florence in the Atlantic.

The eventual track of Florence will likely shape the weather across the Northeast into the weekend as well.