Torrential downpours in New Jersey and New York City on Monday night resulted in flash flooding that tragically claimed two lives, leading New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to announce a state of emergency for the region. The intense storm created perilous conditions, stranding numerous drivers and necessitating rescue operations as vehicles became submerged in floodwaters.
In Plainfield, New Jersey, the unfortunate victims were occupants of a vehicle swept away by rising waters during the storm, as confirmed by Governor Murphy on Tuesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that additional storms are predicted for Tuesday, with potential severe flooding impacting not only the northeastern U.S. but also areas in Florida and the Midwest.
As the day unfolded, several primary roadways in New Jersey remained closed due to flooding, resulting in significant subway delays in both New Jersey and New York City. Newark Liberty International Airport reported numerous flight delays and cancellations, a consequence of more than 6 inches (15 cm) of rain falling in a matter of hours. In Scotch Plains, New Jersey, emergency services were compelled to execute dramatic rescues, including one remarkable instance where responders utilized a rope to pull a man from his car engulfed in floodwaters, as reported by CBS News.
Meanwhile, New York City experienced historic rainfall, with 2 inches recorded in just 30 minutes, marking one of the highest hourly rainfalls in over 80 years. Floodwaters rapidly inundated subway stations, forcing commuters to kneel on their seats to avoid getting soaked.
The severe weather also impacted parts of Virginia, where cities like Colonial Heights and Petersburg faced warnings of potential "catastrophic" flooding. While the heaviest rain is gradually moving east and diminishing in intensity, the NWS in New York is urging citizens to abide by road closure advisories.
This latest episode of flash flooding follows a recent disaster in south-central Texas, where over 130 people died after extreme floods ravaged the area, with many still unaccounted for.
