Deadly storms trigger flooding and tornadoes across eastern U.S.

Severe storms unleashed catastrophic flooding and tornadoes across parts of the eastern United States.

(CNN)- Severe storms unleashed catastrophic flooding and tornadoes across parts of the eastern United States, prompting states of emergency, water rescues and widespread damage.

In West Virginia, thunderstorms dumped more than 5 inches of rain in about six hours, flooding roads, stranding vehicles and damaging homes and businesses.

The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency—its highest level of flood warning—for parts of central West Virginia after reports of swift-water rescues and significant structural flooding. The Lewis County Commission declared a local state of emergency before Gov. Patrick Morrisey expanded the emergency declaration statewide, covering all 55 counties.

The storms also caused significant damage, including a highway sign left dangling from a bridge in St. Mary’s as emergency crews redirected traffic around debris-covered roads.

Severe weather stretched across the Ohio Valley, where tornadoes were reported in Kentucky and Ohio. In Youngstown, Ohio, video appeared to capture a tornado reflected in a vehicle’s side mirror as storms moved through the area.

The Northeast also experienced dangerous weather, with two tornadoes reported in New Jersey and flash flood warnings issued across parts of New York.

Forecasters continue to warn that additional rounds of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms could bring more flooding to already saturated areas.