Two Lives Lost as Flash Floods Sweep Through New Jersey and NYC

Severe flooding in New Jersey and New York City leads to two fatalities, state emergency declarations, and ongoing weather threats, while emergency services mobilize to assist stranded individuals.

Torrential rains struck New Jersey and New York City on Monday night, resulting in tragic flash flooding that claimed two lives and prompted New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to announce a state of emergency. The deluge caused significant disruptions as emergency services rushed to rescue stranded motorists trapped in rapidly rising floodwaters.

In Plainfield, New Jersey, the fatalities occurred when a vehicle was overwhelmed by flooding during the storm. Governor Murphy confirmed the grim news on Tuesday, while weather forecasts warned of additional storms threatening further flooding across parts of the north-east, alongside regions in Florida and the midwestern United States, as per the National Weather Service (NWS).

As of Tuesday morning, numerous primary roads throughout New Jersey remained impassable due to flood damage, causing extensive delays in public transportation, particularly in New York City's subway system. Newark Liberty International Airport reported flight delays and cancellations due to the severe weather. In Scotch Plains, emergency responders undertook rescues, including a dramatic incident where they had to employ a rope to save a man stranded in his vehicle.

New York witnessed its second-highest recorded hourly rainfall in over 80 years with 2 inches falling in just half an hour, severely impacting subway services as floodwaters invaded train cars, leaving passengers scrambling to stay dry.

Flooding also affected parts of Virginia, with Colonial Heights and Petersburg threatened by potentially severe conditions, the NWS indicated. The heaviest rainfall is now diminishing and shifting eastward, but officials continue to urge the public to observe ongoing road closures. This event follows recent deadly floods in Texas, where over 130 lives were lost just weeks prior, highlighting an urgent trend in severe weather events affecting the region.