A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, making storms capable of unleashing huge amounts of rain over land. Studies have shown that for every degree Fahrenheit that the planet heats up, the atmosphere can hold around 3% to 4% more moisture. As a result, flooding risks across the country are expected to increase in the coming years.

Storms are lashing the East Coast from Virginia to Connecticut, flooding roadways and delaying flights from Boston to Washington, D.C.

Heavy rain that may cause flooding is expected both Thursday and Friday. The potential for the severe storms has prompted state of emergency declarations in parts of New York and New Jersey, effective early Thursday afternoon.