Flash flood warnings have been declared for parts of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland amid forecasts for severe thunderstorms and heavy rain Thursday. Newsweek's live blog is closed.

Most of the rain is forecast to fall in as little as 3-6 hours. A small chance of heavier rain and flooding could pose "an elevated threat to life and cause significant disruptions to transportation, flood underground infrastructure and basements and first floors of residences and businesses," with water rescues needed, the weather service said.