Two lives were lost due to powerful flash flooding caused by torrential rainfall in New Jersey and New York City. Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency as rescues were conducted amid rising waters, with more storms expected to threaten the area.
Tragic Flash Flooding Claims Lives in New Jersey and New York City
Tragic Flash Flooding Claims Lives in New Jersey and New York City
Torrential rains lead to devastating flash flooding, resulting in fatalities and extensive damage across the northeastern United States.
Torrential rains descended upon New Jersey and New York City on Monday evening, flooding streets and subway systems and tragically claiming two lives. As a result of the severe weather, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy implemented a state of emergency, urging residents to remain vigilant and heed road closures.
The flooding escalated rapidly, particularly in Plainfield, New Jersey, where two individuals perished when their vehicle was overpowered by surging waters. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted further storms for Tuesday, raising concerns about additional flooding across the northeast, parts of Florida, and the midwestern United States.
As of Tuesday morning, significant road closures were reported throughout New Jersey, and transportation in New York faced disruptions, including delays in subway systems. The chaotic downpour resulted in over six inches (15 cm) of rain over the course of just a few hours, causing flight disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport.
In Scotch Plains, emergency services undertook multiple rescues as floodwaters increased, including an instance where responders utilized a rope to extract a man trapped in his vehicle.
New York City's subway system was also greatly affected, with significant water intrusion causing passengers to elevate themselves on seating to avoid the flooding. Remarkably, the city recorded its second-highest hourly rainfall in over eight decades, witnessing two inches of rain in a mere 30 minutes.
The flooding risks extended beyond New Jersey and New York, with cities like Colonial Heights and Petersburg in Virginia facing potential "catastrophic" damages according to the NWS. While the heaviest rainfall appears to be abating, communities still grapple with the aftermath of this severe weather event, recalling a similar disaster just weeks prior that resulted in over 130 fatalities in south central Texas, where many remain unaccounted for.
