Two fatalities have been reported as severe flash flooding swept through New Jersey and New York City, prompting emergency declarations and numerous rescues.
Flash Floods Claim Lives in New Jersey and NYC, Emergency Declared
Flash Floods Claim Lives in New Jersey and NYC, Emergency Declared
Tragic weather events cause widespread disruption and loss of life in northeastern United States.
Torrential downpours on Monday night resulted in catastrophic flash flooding that took the lives of two individuals in Plainfield, New Jersey. In response to the emergency, Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency. Various areas experienced significant flooding, leading to stranded vehicles and requiring swift rescue operations.
As the storm hit, floodwaters surged through streets and submerged cars. According to Governor Murphy, emergency responders executed multiple rescues, including one dramatic incident where a man had to be pulled from his vehicle using a rope.
Reports detail that over 6 inches (15 cm) of rain fell in just hours, causing flight delays at Newark Liberty International Airport and complicating traffic conditions. In New York City, the subway system was heavily impacted as water rushed into stations and trains, forcing passengers to adapt by kneeling on seats to avoid the surging water.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that New York City witnessed its second-highest hourly rainfall in decades, recording 2 inches in just 30 minutes. The flooding also threatened parts of Virginia, especially Colonial Heights and Petersburg, which faced the risk of "catastrophic" damage.
While the intense rainfall is expected to decline, the NWS is urging residents to remain cautious and to adhere to road closures. This weather disaster follows a recent tragedy in Texas, where over 130 lives were lost due to similar severe flooding, highlighting a worrying trend of extreme weather events in the region.
