Dangerous thunderstorms target Northeast bringing lightning, possible flash flooding

Severe thunderstorms are striking Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Wednesday afternoon, disrupting flights and threatening major damage.

The storms are set to bring wind gusts of up to 70 mph.

Frequent lightning, heavy downpours and flash flooding are also possible.

Thunder rolled into the New York City area and a downpour hit Boston's Logan Airport as lightning cracked a tree in half in Philadelphia.

The severe thunderstorm watch will last until 9 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Erick and tropical storm Flossie are brewing in the Pacific Ocean.

Erick is a Category 3 hurricane with winds up to 115 mph.

Erick will continue to slowly weaken over the next few days and is expected to become a tropical storm as it moves south of Hawaii.

Hawaii is not expected to see a direct impact from Erick besides possible large swells and dangerous surf over the weekend.