Flash Flood Warning for NYC; New Jersey Declares Emergency Due to Intense Rainfall

New Yorkers living in basement apartments have been urged to prepare for evacuation as New Jersey’s governor declared a state of emergency following severe rainfall that led to flash flooding across the region. Western Union County in New Jersey experienced particularly dangerous flash flooding due to storms that lingered in the area on Monday evening, as reported by the National Weather Service for New York City. Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the urgency of the situation, advising residents to remain indoors and limit travel during the intense rainfall.

Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported in relation to the downpours that affected the New York City area, which began to diminish and shift eastward by around 10 p.m.

All five boroughs of New York City were placed under a flash flood warning on Monday evening, which later expired but was accompanied by a flash flood watch until midnight. City emergency management officials cautioned basement apartment residents to be vigilant and prepared to move quickly to higher ground if necessary, providing guidance to keep essential items such as phones, flashlights, and emergency bags nearby. Social media videos captured people wading through knee-deep water in New Providence, New Jersey, while Westchester County reported numerous incidents of stranded vehicles requiring assistance from first responders.

Early rainfall totals in New York City included 1.67 inches in Staten Island and 1.47 inches in Chelsea, with further rain expected throughout the night. The inclement weather also caused significant disruption at airports, including LaGuardia and Newark Liberty, with both airports experiencing flight cancellations and delays. Meanwhile, major traffic routes like the Cross Bronx Expressway and FDR Drive were affected by standing water, forcing closures and causing additional delays.

The rain adversely impacted city subway services as well, with several lines suspended due to flooding at stations. While the National Weather Service initially warned of possible rainfall rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour, the heaviest rains had shifted east of New York City by late evening, with forecasts indicating a reduction in rainfall intensity throughout the night.