Flash Floods Devastate Northeast: NYC Subways Shut Down, 2 Dead in New Jersey

Severe storms bring record rain and widespread disruption across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania

NEW YORK — A powerful storm system swept through the U.S. Northeast late Monday, bringing torrential rain, flash flooding, and widespread chaos. The storm caused two deaths in New Jersey, shut down parts of New York City’s subway system, and led to emergency declarations across multiple states.

Record Rainfall Floods NYC Subways

Between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., New York’s Central Park recorded 2.07 inches of rain—the second-highest hourly rainfall total in the city’s history, trailing only Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Floodwater poured into subway stations across Manhattan, affecting several lines. The 1, 2, and 3 trains were temporarily suspended, while the M and R lines ran with major delays. Videos on social media showed water gushing into platforms and passengers standing on train seats to avoid rising floodwaters.

New Jersey Declares State of Emergency

In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency after flash floods swamped major roadways like Routes 22 and 78, leaving cars stranded in deep water. In Scotch Plains, flooding halted traffic and stranded buses, while in North Plainfield, a house caught fire and exploded shortly after the family evacuated. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from the explosion.

Two Dead in Flash Flood Incident

Tragedy struck Plainfield, N.J., where a car was swept into Cedar Brook, killing two people inside. Their names have not yet been released, pending notification of family members. These were the first confirmed fatalities from the storm.

Rescues Across the Region

Emergency crews were deployed across multiple states:

• In Westchester County, New York, first responders rescued drivers trapped in submerged vehicles on the Bronx River and Taconic State Parkways.
• In Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, over 7 inches of rain fell in under five hours. The town declared a disaster emergency after 16 water rescues and reports of up to five feet of water inside some homes.

Major Travel Disruptions

Flooding forced the closure of major routes including the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Cross Bronx Expressway. Air travel was also hit hard, with ground stops and hundreds of flight cancellations at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports.

By Tuesday morning, most flash flood warnings had expired, but standing water remained in parts of Staten Island, northern New Jersey, and the lower Hudson Valley. Officials continued to urge residents to stay off the roads unless evacuating a flooded area.

What’s Ahead

The National Weather Service says more rain is possible Tuesday afternoon, but no further extreme rainfall is expected. That offers a window for clean-up efforts and damage assessment across the region.

Residents needing shelter, evacuation info, or other assistance can dial 2-1-1 in New York and New Jersey or visit their local emergency management websites for updates.

Source: AP News – Heavy rains and flash flooding sweep across the Northeast