Flash flooding struck New Jersey and New York City late Monday, leading to two confirmed deaths and prompting Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency. The storms left many stranded, necessitating rescues as cars were swept away in rising waters. Tragically, two individuals died in Plainfield, New Jersey, when their vehicle was engulfed by floodwaters, as reported by Governor Murphy on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of more storms likely to hit the North-East, along with parts of Florida and the Midwestern US, further raising concerns about additional flooding. As the situation unfolded Tuesday morning, several key roads across New Jersey were reported closed, and significant subway delays affected New York City and New Jersey commuters.
Rainfall totals exceeded 6 inches (15cm) within hours on Tuesday night, leading to widespread travel disruptions, including numerous flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport. In Scotch Plains, New Jersey, emergency responders were deployed for multiple rescues, including a dramatic incident where a man was pulled from his submerged car using a rope.
New York City experienced a record-setting weather event, recorded as its second-highest hourly rainfall in over 80 years, with 2 inches falling in just 30 minutes. The subway system was not spared, with floodwaters inundating stations and forcing passengers to elevate themselves to avoid getting soaked.
The floods also impacted Virginia, with cities like Colonial Heights and Petersburg facing the threat of severe flood damage, as reported by the NWS. Although the heaviest rains are shifting eastward and their intensity is diminishing, authorities continue to urge the public to adhere to road closures and heed warnings.
This recent flooding follows severe weather events in Texas, where flash floods from just two weeks prior claimed over 130 lives and left many individuals unaccounted for.
