News Summary
Torrential rains have devastated New Jersey and New York, causing flash flooding and resulting in tragic fatalities. Emergency services are responding to widespread disruptions, with significant rainfall leading to delays at airports and on major roads. As communities assess damage, authorities warn of potential additional storms.
New Jersey and New York have been heavily impacted by torrential rains that struck on Monday night, leading to flash flooding across various areas. The intense rain resulted in two fatalities in Plainfield, New Jersey, where a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. In response to these severe conditions, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency.
Emergency services worked throughout the night to rescue stranded drivers as floodwaters rose rapidly. More than 6 inches (15 cm) of rain fell in parts of New Jersey within a few hours on Tuesday evening, prompting significant travel disruptions. New York City also reported severe delays and disruptions to its subway system, which was affected by substantial flooding.
In an alarming weather event, New York City recorded a staggering 2 inches of rainfall within just 30 minutes, marking the city’s second-highest hourly rainfall recorded in over 80 years. The sudden influx of rain caused flooding that breached subway stations, forcing passengers to seek higher ground by kneeling on seats to stay dry.
Flight operations at Newark Liberty International Airport experienced delays and cancellations due to inclement weather. Additionally, ground stops were also initiated at LaGuardia and Newark airports as thunderstorms rolled through the area. These weather-related travel disruptions affected many commuters, with major traffic routes like the Cross Bronx Expressway and the FDR Drive facing closures and significant delays due to standing water.
As emergency responders continued their operations, numerous reports emerged from Westchester County, New York, regarding vehicles submerged in floodwaters. Video footage captured the distressing scene of individuals wading through floodwaters that reached above their knees in New Providence, New Jersey.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings of potential additional storms and further flooding across the northeastern United States, Florida, and the Midwest. Residents in lower-level apartments, particularly those in basement units, were advised to prepare for possible evacuations to ensure their safety amidst the ongoing risks of flash flooding.
As the rains began to subside, the NWS noted that the most intense rainfall had shifted eastward and was expected to decrease in intensity. Despite this promising development, the impacts of the torrential rains and flash flooding from the previous night are still being evaluated, with communities actively assessing damages and the needs of those affected.
In summary, New Jersey and New York faced severe weather challenges with excessive rainfall leading to tragic consequences, widespread travel disruptions, and heightened emergency responses. The full extent of the effects will continue to unfold as authorities monitor the situation and assess recovery efforts in the aftermath of the flooding.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- New York Times: New Jersey and New York Floods
- Wikipedia: Flood
- CBS News: New Jersey Insurance Claims
- Google Search: New Jersey Floods
- Deseret News: Northeast Weather Update
- Google Scholar: Flash Floods Northeast
- ABC News: Flash Flood Threat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- NBC News: Flash Flood Warning
- Google News: New York City Floods
- Reuters: Severe Storms New York City
