About 25 million Americans are under a state of emergency as torrential rain and thunderstorms batter the Northeast.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a statewide emergency and issued a flash flood watch for the entire state, home to nearly 10 million people.
In neighboring New York, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a similar alert covering some of the state’s most densely populated counties, approximately 15 million New Yorkers. The warning includes all five boroughs of New York City.
Cars along the Clearview Expressway in Queens, New York, were submerged in waters as the rain started to fall Thursday afternoon.
Cars submerged in floodwaters in Queens
Cars along the Clearview Expressway in Queens, New York, were submerged in waters as the rain started to fall Thursday afternoon.
The Clearview Expressway is closed in both directions at Northern Boulevard, the NYPD annouced.
25million Americans are under a state of emergency
About 25 million Americans across New York and New Jersey are under a state of emergency as severe storms move through the area.
Up to seven inches of rain are forecasted for the area bringing the risks of flash flooding.
PICTURED: New Yorkers brace the rain
MTA chair expresses concern for subway lines
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber told NBC New York that his agency is concerned about flooding on the 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue lines (the 1/2/3 and the A/C/E lines, respectively) because the curb height is so low.
He explained that the low curb height means if there is water on the street, it will rush into those stations.
NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection has 50 specialized trucks that clear 150,000 catch basins across the five boroughs, and those basins can get packed with soggy sewage that can clog the system, exacerbating the flooding, according to the outlet.
What to do during a flash flood
Experts advise evacuating and getting to higher ground in case of a flash flood.
‘Before leaving, secure your home by locking it. If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding,’ the National Weather Service said.
‘Impacted residents are urged to avoid their basements or any submerged areas with electrical cords or outlets to avoid an electrical accident.
‘If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.
‘Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just six inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.’
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that a major thunderstorm system bringing life-threatening flooding has shut down flights in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.
Major travel hubs, including LaGuardia Airport, Newark-Liberty International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport have all announced ground stops until at least 5pm ET.
Other major airports, including John F Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, have announced ground delays lasting until at least early Friday morning.
The airport chaos has led to flight delays of more than three hours at New York’s JFK Airport and New Jersey’s Newark Airport.
The Yankees were up 7-4 against divisional rivals the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth inning when a rain delay was called at around 2:40pm ET.
Grounds crew rolled out the tarp during the rain delay as the teams wait for word on when the game can continue.
What is a flash flood warning?
Flash flood flood warnings are active in parts of New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia.
‘A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring,’ according to the National Weather Service.
‘A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.’
New York Gov. declares state of emergency
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a state of emergency for New York City and the surrounding counties shortly before 3:00pm ET.
She advised residents to ‘stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding.’
The state of emergency covers the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester, and contiguous counties.
Flood watches are in effect for New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon.
Long Island Rail Road suspends service on Port Washington Branch
The Long Island Rail Road is suspended in both directions on the Port Washington Branch due to high water east of Flushing Main Street.
PICTURE: Eerie storm clouds loom over NYC skyline
New Jersey Gov. issues flash flood watch
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a flash flood watch for the entire state Thursday afternoon.
‘Please avoid all unnecessary travel this evening. Most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles,’ he said.
New Jersey and New York have declared a State of Emergency ahead of severe thunderstorms expected to unleash life-threatening flash flooding across the state.
Meteorologists warned that up to seven inches of rain could fall through the evening, prompting flash flood watches statewide until Friday morning.
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Multiple cars SUBMERGED in water as New York and New Jersey issues life threatening flash flood warning: Live updates
