Authored by Sara Weathers
According to a recent Insurance Journal article, a wave of intense thunderstorms swept across the US Northeast, encompassing New York City on July 16, resulting in fatal flooding in Pennsylvania, airport disruptions, and tornado alerts throughout New England. Simultaneously, Chicago witnessed a decline in air quality due to the influx of smoke from wildfires in Canada.
The thunderstorms caused extensive damage, unleashing deadly floods in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia, on July 15. The aftermath of the previous day's heavy rainfall, which saturated the ground, exacerbated the flooding risks across a broad stretch of the East Coast, as explained by Ashton Robinson Cook, a forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center.
The forecast predicted a moderate likelihood of excessive rainfall from New Jersey through southwestern Maine, covering major cities such as Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Consequently, flood alerts and warnings were issued from Virginia to Maine, while tornado alerts were also declared for states including Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
The thunderstorms severely disrupted air travel operations in New York City, with all three major airports experiencing ground stops on July 16. Boston's airport also had to halt operations due to the turbulent weather. This resulted in numerous flight cancellations and delays, affecting travelers across the region.
Chicago also faced a distinct environmental challenge as air quality plummeted due to smoke emanating from Canadian forest fires. The Great Plains and Midwest regions, along with other parts of the United States earlier this summer, have witnessed this unprecedented decline, prompting authorities to advise residents to curtail travel to minimize pollution. Vulnerable populations such as those with respiratory and pulmonary conditions, the elderly, and young children were urged to exercise extra caution.
Both incidents highlight the urgent need for preparedness and adaptation to the escalating impacts of extreme weather events and environmental shifts. Is your firm prepared with property and liability insurance policies? If not, AdvoCap Insurance is here to help you find the best policies for your firm.
Photo Credit: 123rf.com, artefacti
