Lines of severe storms rolled into the New York City area Friday evening, bringing torrential rain and severe thunderstorms that led to flash flooding. On a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high), there was a Level 2 threat for the New York City metro area, lower Hudson Valley, and north and central New Jersey heading into the afternoon.  The Level 2 threat extends all the way southwest to the Washington, D.C. area. The main threat from Friday’s storms was damaging straight-line wind gusts 60 miles per hour or higher. There was supposed to be a lower risk for flash flooding, though severe storms brought deluges of rain in just minutes, meaning some streets flooded quickly. Tornadoes and hail were unlikely. Downed trees and limbs disrupted service on several NJ Transit rail lines during the evening due to weather-related signal issues. The agency shared photos showing trees down on wires and on tracks. There were also reports of trees and wires down in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as flooding throughout much of northeastern New Jersey and into Rockland County. Several severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings were issued for New York City and much of the surrounding area throughout the evening. Flash flood warnings were in effect until 9:45 p.m. for Putnam and Westchester counties in New York, New Jersey’s Monmouth County and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Storms started up in the late afternoon, during peak heating when temperatures were near 90 degrees. They were isolated at first and became more numerous around dinner time through mid-evening.  That’s when the wind and flood threats peaked. After 9 p.m. the activity will become weaker and more isolated. Rain totals will be under an inch in most places, but isolated areas could pick up a quick 2 to 4 inches, maybe more.  The atmosphere is laden with moisture, so the strongest storms will drop heavy rain that adds up quickly.  Fortunately, these storms will be on the move and training — meaning multiple cells follow each other over the same area — is unlikely, which will keep rain totals somewhat in check. Heading into the weekend, we’ll have a lower chance for showers and storms Saturday afternoon and evening.  By Sunday, rain chances will be near zero in and around New York City. Friday storm outlook: Hour-by-hour radar projections ...read more read less