The Interstate 95 corridor from New York City to Washington, D.C., is bracing for dangerous flooding on Thursday. Heavy storms could lead to rainfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour. Widespread rain totals are forecast to be 1 to 3 inches, but the heaviest storms could bring 5 to 8 inches of rain to isolated areas.

The New York City area and New Jersey declared states of emergency Thursday as heavy rain with the potential for flash floods approached the region. Weather is expected to dump several inches of rain in the New York-New Jersey areas as residents make their evening commutes home.

Flooding is possible across the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday, especially in urban areas, with storms expected to bring heavy rain — up to 3 inches per hour.