Flash Flood Nightmare Grips New York and New Jersey

At least two people reported dead

What began as a routine summer evening on Monday, quickly spiraled into a nightmare for residents of New Jersey and New York, as skies unleashed a deluge that turned streets into rivers and homes into hazard zones.

Within hours, neighborhoods were submerged, vehicles were swept away, and a tragic loss of life unfolded.

By the time the rain eased, two people had died, subway systems had ground to a halt, and emergency responders were racing against time to rescue those trapped by rising waters.

The storm didn’t just drench the region, it exposed once again how vulnerable America’s urban centers are to sudden, climate-driven extremes.

Deadly Flooding Hits New Jersey and New York Amid Torrential Rain

Severe weather struck the northeastern United States on Monday evening, bringing intense rainfall that caused widespread flooding, transportation chaos, and tragically, the loss of at least two lives in New Jersey.

Two Fatalities Reported in Plainfield

Authorities confirmed that two people died in Plainfield, New Jersey, after the vehicle they were in was swept into Cedar Brook during a flash flood.

Local officials shared the grim news via a Facebook post, as emergency crews worked to assess the damage across several hard-hit areas.

The deaths occurred as relentless rain pounded New Jersey and New York, transforming roadways into rivers, trapping cars, and overwhelming infrastructure.

State of Emergency Declared in New Jersey

In response to the severe conditions, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency. He urged residents to stay indoors and avoid nonessential travel.

The situation was so dire that video footage from Scotch Plains, shared by CBS, showed floodwaters halting traffic on a major road, leaving buses and cars stranded.

In another alarming incident in North Plainfield, a house reportedly caught fire and collapsed after an apparent explosion, possibly linked to the flooding.

Fortunately, the family inside had evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.

Flood Disrupts Transit and Roads in New York

New York City also suffered from the intense storm. Subways were particularly impacted, with several lines temporarily suspended and others running with significant delays.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority cited flooding as the main cause of the disruptions.

Dramatic videos posted online showed water pouring into subway stations in Manhattan, flooding platforms and trains.

In one scene, passengers could be seen standing on seats to avoid rising water on the train floor.

Major highways, including parts of the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Cross Bronx Expressway, were shut down due to flooding and at least one fallen tree.

Emergency responders in Westchester County worked to rescue people from submerged vehicles, highlighting the dangerous conditions still unfolding on Tuesday morning.

Warnings Issued and Travel Discouraged

Officials issued a flood warning for Staten Island, where rainfall totals ranged between 4 to 6 inches (10.2–15.2 cm).

The city’s emergency services department advised residents to avoid travel unless they were evacuating a flooded area or under official orders to leave.

Carolyn Fortino, a spokesperson for the Westchester County Executive, emphasized that roads remained hazardous and urged people to stay off them unless absolutely necessary.

Pennsylvania Also Hit: Mount Joy Declares Disaster Emergency

The neighboring state of Pennsylvania was not spared. Mount Joy, a town in the southeastern part of the state, declared a disaster emergency after receiving more than 7 inches (17.8 cm) of rain in under five hours.

The local fire department reported extensive flooding, with some residents seeing over 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water in their homes.

Emergency crews conducted at least 16 water rescues.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Although the town’s emergency management coordinator, Philip Colvin, stated that the declaration would help the community access additional aid and expedite recovery efforts.

By Monday evening, the situation had begun to improve as water levels slowly receded.

Flooding Recedes in Metuchen, New Jersey

Further south in Metuchen, about 34 miles (55 km) from New York City, Mayor Jonathan M. Busch reported significant flooding across the borough.

However, by late Monday, the water had begun to retreat.

In a Facebook update, Busch wrote, “It looks like the worst of the storm is behind us, and thankfully, everyone is safe.”

While Metuchen avoided fatalities, the storm left a lasting impact on infrastructure and community morale.

A Region Braces for More Uncertainty

As recovery begins, parts of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania continue to deal with lingering effects of the storm.

Though floodwaters have started to recede, officials remain on high alert, monitoring vulnerable areas and warning of potential aftereffects such as weakened structures or delayed travel recovery.

This latest round of extreme weather serves as another reminder of the growing frequency and intensity of climate-related events across the U.S. northeast.

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