• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

NYC flash flood: A powerful storm system unleashed widespread chaos across the US East Coast on Thursday, prompting emergency declarations in New York, New Jersey, and parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flash flood warnings as torrential rain turned roads into rivers, stranded vehicles, and crippled subway and train networks in the New York City metropolitan area. New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a state of emergency for New York City and neighboring counties, issuing a warning of "life-threatening conditions of flooding" and advising people to remain indoors. "Heavy rain and possible flooding are likely to impact the evening commute. Employers should send their employees home early," Governor Hochul said on social media. New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way also announced a state of emergency from 2 p.m. Thursday. "Severe thunderstorms will produce heavy rain, high winds, and potential flash flooding. I ask people to remain vigilant and stay off the roads unless unavoidable," she said.

In dramatic scenes that went viral on social media, subway stations such as Grand Central and Park Slope’s 7th Avenue saw water gushing down walls and stairs, resembling waterfalls. Service on several Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway lines was suspended or delayed. Another video showed floodwater filling the lower deck of a city bus, while another showed a woman walking through knee-deep water using a plastic trash bag as a makeshift raincoat.

Cars Submerged, Streets Impassable

Flooded streets across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island brought vehicular movement to a halt. Videos showed cars submerged up to their windows, and one CCTV clip from Staten Island captured a car narrowly avoiding a powerful geyser erupting from a manhole. The Clearview Expressway was shut down in both directions after several cars were surrounded by floodwater, including a tractor-trailer. Police and emergency responders helped pull people out of stuck vehicles who were trapped inside.

The National Weather Service provided flash flood warnings along a wide corridor from Washington, D.C., to New York, including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Newark. Tragedy occurred in Maryland when a 13-year-old boy was washed into a storm drain and subsequently found dead after the water had receded. Several water rescues were conducted in the Baltimore area. In Pennsylvania, Reading suffered serious flooding after as much as 3 inches of rain fell in a single hour. Streets became flooded, and emergency responders closed off flooded intersections to emergency responders. Amtrak canceled train travel between Philadelphia and Wilmington because of high water on the tracks.

Public transportation throughout the East Coast was badly affected. Commuter trains into New Jersey and Long Island were halted, and some subway lines were still not functioning into Friday morning. The New York, New Jersey, Washington, and Philadelphia airports had many delays and cancellations. The MTA urged commuters to avoid travel and monitor alerts. A power outage earlier in the day had already affected services on multiple lines before the floodwater added to the chaos.

ALSO READ: Death, Destruction And Downpour: How Texas Is Fighting Back After Deadly Floods | See in Pics

Public Advisory: What to Do During Flash Flood Emergencies

As per the safety protocols issued y state advisories citizens all over the Northeast are instructed to exercise precautions and remain aware. The following are important guidelines laid down by emergency services:

• Avoid driving or walking in floodwaters – only 6 inches of water can knock you off, and 12 inches can carry your car away.
• Do not travel by subways or trains in flooded areas until services resume.
• Observe for sinkholes or collapsed roads under standing water.
• Remain indoors unless evacuation is required.
• Unplug appliances to prevent power surges.
• Go to upper floors if you are in a basement or low-lying floor.
• Have emergency supplies available — flashlight, first-aid kit, drinking water, food, and battery-powered radio.

ALSO READ: Camp Mystic Tragedy: Which Counties Are Covered Amid Deadly Texas Flash Floods | Here's How You Can Stay Safe

It is the second significant flooding event in the New York metropolitan area within a fortnight. An earlier storm caused deaths in New Jersey and unprecedented damage to infrastructure. The city officials have cautioned that the frequency and severity of such storms are rising because of climate change and called for investment in resilient infrastructure.