A state of emergency has been declared in New York City and New Jersey as a powerful storm system hits the US east coast from New York to Washington DC, with dangerous torrential rainfall and flash flooding under way in the region.
Forecasters had predicted intense rainfall, with rates possibly reaching up to 3 inches an hour and some isolated locations could see as much as 5 to 8 inches.
New York City officials warned that heavy rain could flood some streets, parts of the subway and basements. They urged people living in basements to move to higher floors and issued an advisory asking New Yorkers to avoid travel from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon.
The Clearview Expressway, a major highway in the borough of Queens, was closed in both directions, and at least two cars were submerged on the expressway, a law enforcement official told CNN. The commuter rail system into suburban Long Island suspended service on one of its busiest lines during rush hour.
In Pennsylvania, the National Weather Service issued warnings for up to 3 in of rain in an hour and the downpour produced flooding in the streets of Reading. One video online showed water pouring down a city street, rising halfway up a parked car, and rendering a busy commercial intersection nearly impassable as waters rose into a car’s wheel wells. In Maryland, multiple water rescues were reported in communities north of Baltimore.
Airports in New York, New Jersey, Washington and Philadelphia all reported significant weather-related flight delays and cancellations.
Kathy Hochul, the New York governor, said she would be declaring a state of emergency for New York City and the surrounding counties. In a post on X just before 2pm, she said: “Heavy rain and potential flooding are expected to affect the evening commute. Employers are encouraged to dismiss employees early. Continue to monitor your local forecasts, and stay safe.”
In anticipation of the severe weather, the acting New Jersey governor, Tahesha Way, had earlier declared a state of emergency for the state, effective from 2pm on Thursday. The declarations come amid concerns over flooding, strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
“Beginning this afternoon, we are expecting severe thunderstorms to bring heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts with the potential for flash flooding across the state,” said Way. “I urge all New Jerseyans to remain alert, follow all safety protocols, and monitor the proper channels for the duration of these storms. Residents should remain off the roads and indoors unless absolutely necessary.”
Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s governor, posted on social media that state emergency management officials were preparing potential response and recovery efforts.
The combination of saturated ground and intense downpours raises the risk of hazardous conditions such as flash floods, rock slides and landslides. Officials warned that travel could become dangerous, especially during the evening commute, when the heaviest rain is expected.
Storm activity could continue well into the night.
The weather service also issued flash flood warnings early on Thursday afternoon for parts of Pennsylvania and northern Maryland, portions of New York City as well as some areas in northern New Jersey. Washington and Baltimore could see some of the most intense rain, with flash flood warnings issued for parts of the area through the evening. A severe thunderstorm watch was in place until 8pm for an area that includes Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City.
New York City issued a travel advisory for both Thursday and Friday, and a flood watch will go into effect on Thursday afternoon. “Be prepared for a serious storm,” the mayor, Eric Adams, said in a social media post. “Avoid traveling if you can, and set up any flood prevention tools in advance,” he added.
Zachary Iscol, commissioner of New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), also warned those in the area that the storm system “could bring intense rainfall rates and amounts in a very short period of time”. He added that the NYCEM had already activated the flash flood emergency plan.
It comes just two weeks after intense rain storms hit parts of the north-eastern US, flooding New York City subways and resulting in two deaths in New Jersey.
