A state of emergency was declared as a result of the heavy rain that swept across parts of the Northeastern United States on Monday night. The rain caused flash flooding in parts of New York and New Jersey, which caused vehicles to become stuck on roadways, caused subway lines to be closed, and led to the declaration of a state of emergency.
During the time that the rain was moving through the region, flash flood watches and warnings were issued in certain areas of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas.
As a result of the flash flooding and heavy rainfall, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey declared a state of emergency and advised residents to remain inside and refrain from travelling more than is absolutely necessary. The flood waters in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, brought a major roadway to a complete halt, causing buses to become stranded, as demonstrated in a video that was shared on social media by Fox News.
In addition, flooding caused delays for a number of buses and trains in the state of New Jersey.
According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, flooding caused some levels of subway service in New York City to be suspended, while other lines continued to operate with significant delays. In a post on the social media platform X, the emergency services agency of New York stated that flash floods were occurring in certain areas of the city and in the middle of the Hudson River.
There is a video that has been shared on social media that appears to show water flooding down into a subway station in Manhattan, causing the platform to become submerged, while passengers inside a train watch. An additional photograph appears to show passengers standing on the seats of a train in order to prevent the water from starting to soak the floor around them.
A number of major thoroughfares in the state of New York, including the northbound lanes of the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Cross Bronx Expressway, were temporarily closed as a result of flooding and the downing of at least one tree.
Carolyn Fortino, a spokesperson for the county executive, stated that officials in Westchester County, New York, were working to rescue people whose vehicles were submerged in water. This information was confirmed by the county executive.
“At this time, residents are still strongly advised to avoid any and all travel unless they are fleeing an area that is subject to flooding or are under an evacuation order,” she stated in an email.
