Two Fatalities as New Jersey and New York City Experience Devastating Flash Floods

Torrential rains in New Jersey and New York City on Monday night resulted in two deaths, along with extensive emergency responses as officials declared a state of emergency.

Torrential downpours across New Jersey and New York City on Monday night triggered severe flash flooding, resulting in two fatalities and prompting New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency. The flooding caused chaos, stranding drivers and necessitating urgent rescues as vehicles were swept away by rising waters. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in Plainfield, New Jersey, after their car was caught in the deluge during the storm, Governor Murphy reported on Tuesday.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service (NWS) warned that additional storms were expected on Tuesday, posing a risk of further flooding in the Northeast, along with potential impacts in Florida and the Midwest. By Tuesday morning, numerous primary roads in New Jersey were closed due to flood damage, and subway delays plagued both New York City and New Jersey, exacerbating travel disruptions.

In parts of New Jersey, over six inches (15 cm) of rainfall fell within hours on Tuesday evening, leading to significant flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport. In Scotch Plains, rescue efforts were imperative; responders used ropes to rescue individuals trapped in their vehicles. Meanwhile, New York City experienced flash floods that inundated subway stations, prompting passengers to seek refuge on their seats to avoid rising water levels.

Remarkably, New York City registered its second-highest hourly rainfall in more than 80 years, with two inches falling in just thirty minutes. The flooding battle extended to Virginia, where Colonial Heights and Petersburg faced threats of "catastrophic" damage from the deluge, according to NWS alerts. As the rain dissipated and shifted eastward, the NWS urged residents to remain aware of road closures and hazardous conditions.

This latest weather event follows severe flash floods in south-central Texas two weeks prior, where over 130 people tragically lost their lives and many remained unaccounted for. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of extreme weather events nationwide.