Severe flash flooding in New York and New Jersey resulted in two fatalities and prompted an emergency declaration, as rescuers responded to stranded motorists and transportation delays spread throughout the region.
Flash Floods Claim Lives in New York and New Jersey Amidst State Emergency Declaration
Flash Floods Claim Lives in New York and New Jersey Amidst State Emergency Declaration
Torrential rains cause significant flooding, fatalities, and disruptions across the northeast US, as states brace for further storms.
New York and New Jersey faced life-threatening flash floods on Monday night, leading to a tragic loss of two lives and compelling New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to enact a state of emergency. The extreme weather, characterized by torrential downpours, left numerous motorists trapped as floodwaters quickly engulfed their vehicles. Governor Murphy reported that the fatalities occurred in Plainfield, New Jersey when a vehicle was swept away by rapidly rising waters.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts additional storms on Tuesday, with warnings of potential flooding impacting regions across the Northeast, Florida, and parts of the Midwest. By Tuesday morning, multiple main highways in New Jersey had been closed due to extreme flooding, causing significant disruptions in public transportation, including delays in subway services in both New York City and New Jersey.
The rainfall was unprecedented, with New Jersey experiencing over 6 inches (15 cm) within just a few hours. Newark Liberty International Airport also faced flight delays and cancellations as a result of the severe weather conditions. In Scotch Plains, rescue operations were necessary, illustrating the intensity of the flooding when responders had to use ropes to save individuals trapped in their vehicles.
Subway stations in New York City were no exception to the chaos, witnessing floodwaters enter the system and forcing riders to adapt by kneeling on their seats to stay dry. Notably, New York City recorded its second-highest hourly rainfall in over 80 years, with 2 inches occurring in a mere 30 minutes. Areas in Virginia also faced flooding concerns, specifically Colonial Heights and Petersburg, both under threats of "catastrophic" flood damage per the NWS warnings.
Although the heaviest rainfall is reportedly moving eastward and diminishing, officials urge residents to adhere to road closure advisories. This weather event follows recent devastating flash floods in Texas, which resulted in over 130 fatalities and many individuals still unaccounted for.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts additional storms on Tuesday, with warnings of potential flooding impacting regions across the Northeast, Florida, and parts of the Midwest. By Tuesday morning, multiple main highways in New Jersey had been closed due to extreme flooding, causing significant disruptions in public transportation, including delays in subway services in both New York City and New Jersey.
The rainfall was unprecedented, with New Jersey experiencing over 6 inches (15 cm) within just a few hours. Newark Liberty International Airport also faced flight delays and cancellations as a result of the severe weather conditions. In Scotch Plains, rescue operations were necessary, illustrating the intensity of the flooding when responders had to use ropes to save individuals trapped in their vehicles.
Subway stations in New York City were no exception to the chaos, witnessing floodwaters enter the system and forcing riders to adapt by kneeling on their seats to stay dry. Notably, New York City recorded its second-highest hourly rainfall in over 80 years, with 2 inches occurring in a mere 30 minutes. Areas in Virginia also faced flooding concerns, specifically Colonial Heights and Petersburg, both under threats of "catastrophic" flood damage per the NWS warnings.
Although the heaviest rainfall is reportedly moving eastward and diminishing, officials urge residents to adhere to road closure advisories. This weather event follows recent devastating flash floods in Texas, which resulted in over 130 fatalities and many individuals still unaccounted for.
