Heavy rainfall swept across the northeastern United States on Monday night, causing flash flooding that disrupted transportation and prompted emergency declarations across the region.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency due to flash flooding and heavy rainfall, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Video footage showed flood waters bringing a major roadway in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, to a standstill, stranding buses.
In New York City, subway service was temporarily suspended on several lines while others experienced severe delays due to flooding, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Social media footage showed water pouring into a Manhattan subway station, submerging platforms while passengers watched from inside trains.
Major thoroughfares in New York, including the northbound lanes of the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Cross Bronx Expressway, were temporarily closed due to flooding and at least one downed tree.
Officials in New York’s Westchester County worked to rescue people whose vehicles were submerged in water. County spokesperson Carolyn Fortino advised residents to avoid all travel unless fleeing flooded areas or under evacuation orders.
Staten Island received a flood warning after experiencing 4-6 inches of rain, according to New York City’s emergency notification system.
In North Plainfield, New Jersey, a house caught fire and collapsed, possibly due to an explosion, shortly after the family inside had evacuated. No injuries were reported.
Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, declared a disaster emergency after more than 7 inches of rain fell in less than five hours on Monday. Some residents reported more than 5 feet of water in their homes, and emergency responders conducted 16 water rescues, though no injuries occurred.
By Monday evening, the rainfall had lessened and water levels began to recede in affected areas. Most flash flood watches and warnings expired as the storm system moved on, though some roads and streets remained flooded Tuesday morning.
Metuchen, New Jersey, Mayor Jonathan M. Busch confirmed that while the borough experienced significant flooding, water levels had receded by Monday evening and everyone remained safe.
