NEW YORK — On Monday night, a wave of heavy rain swept through parts of the U.S. Northeast, bringing intense flash flooding that inundated sections of New York and New Jersey. The downpours led to stranded vehicles on roadways, closed subway lines, and ultimately the declaration of a state of emergency in affected regions.
In response to the severe weather conditions, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency due to the heavy rainfall and flash flooding. He urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Flash flood watches and warnings were issued across parts of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas as the downpours continued to move through the region.
Transportation systems were heavily impacted by the flooding. A video shared by CBS on social media showcased floodwaters bringing a major roadway in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, to a standstill, stranding buses on flooded streets. In New Jersey, some bus and train services faced delays due to the rising waters. In New York City, subway services were suspended on certain lines, while others experienced severe delays, as reported by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
New York's emergency services agency took to the social platform X to alert residents that flash floods were impacting parts of the city and the mid-Hudson region. Disturbing footage showed water pouring into a subway station in Manhattan, submerging the platform, while passengers inside a train watched in disbelief. Another video depicted passengers standing on train seats to avoid the water that was quickly soaking the floor.
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 downed trees. In Westchester County, officials were actively engaged in rescuing individuals whose vehicles had become submerged in the rising waters, as stated by Carolyn Fortino, a spokesperson for the county executive. Residents were strongly advised to avoid all travel unless they were fleeing areas under evacuation orders or subject to flooding.
A flood warning was also issued for Staten Island, where approximately 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 centimeters) of rain had fallen, according to New York City's emergency notification system. In Mount Joy, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, officials declared a disaster emergency after more than 7 inches (17.8 centimeters) of rain fell in under five hours. Reports indicated that some homes experienced over 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water, prompting emergency responders to conduct 16 water rescues, though no injuries were reported. Borough Emergency Management Coordinator Philip Colvin stated that the declaration allows access to additional resources to support residents and expedite recovery efforts.
By Monday evening, the intensity of the rainfall had diminished, and water levels in Mount Joy began to recede. In Metuchen, New Jersey, approximately 34 miles (54.7 kilometers) southwest of New York City, Mayor Jonathan M. Busch reported on Facebook that the borough faced significant flooding, but water levels had started to decrease by the evening.
