A powerful storm system unleashed heavy rain and flash flooding across the US East Coast on Thursday, prompting New York City and New Jersey to declare states of emergency. Streets turned into rivers, subways flooded, cars were stranded, and public transportation came to a halt as the storm system swept through major cities from New York to Washington, D C.City officials issued urgent warnings as the situation worsened throughout the day, urging residents to avoid travel and take shelter indoors.

Emergency declarations and advisories

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for New York City and surrounding counties. “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,” she posted on X.New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way also declared a state of emergency, effective from 2 pm Thursday. She said, “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.”“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,” she added.New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a travel advisory through Friday and activated the city’s flash flood emergency plan. “Avoid traveling if you can, and set up any flood prevention tools in advance,” he posted on X.

Subways flooded, streets underwater

In New York City, the flooding was widespread and dramatic. Viral videos showed water pouring into subway stations, including Grand Central Terminal, and pooling on the floors of buses.At the 7th Avenue station in Brooklyn’s Park Slope, floodwater was seen bursting through the walls.Commuter trains weren’t spared either. In Queens, a Long Island Rail Road train came to a halt after floodwaters engulfed the tracks. Firefighters and emergency crews from the FDNY were seen wading through murky, chest-high water to assist passengers and clear the path.The Clearview Expressway in Queens was closed in both directions as floodwaters submerged vehicles, including a tractor-trailer. Law enforcement pulled people from cars before traffic slowly resumed.

Widespread disruption to transportation

The storm wreaked havoc on nearly all forms of transportation. Subway lines were delayed or suspended.Even MTA buses were not spared, one was seen flooded in viral videos, compounding earlier chaos from a morning power outage that crippled several subway lines, where floodwater could be seen seeping through the walls.Commuter trains into Long Island and New Jersey were halted during rush hour. Flights across major airports in New York, New Jersey, Washington, and Philadelphia were delayed or canceled.In Maryland, multiple water rescues took place north of Baltimore, and roads known to flood were closed preemptively. Emergency shelters opened in anticipation of more storms overnight.In Pennsylvania, the National Weather Service issued warnings of up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) of rain falling within an hour, triggering flash floods in the city of Reading, located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia, according to the Associated Press.Videos showed streets underwater, parked cars half-submerged, and emergency vehicles blocking impassable intersections.Amtrak suspended trains between Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware, due to high water over the tracks.

Weather forecast: More rain, winds, and flood risk

High wind gusts, hail, and the potential for tornadoes were also part of the storm system. In New Jersey, tornado warnings were issued but no twisters were confirmed. Still, more than 14,000 people were left without electricity Thursday evening.Flood watches continued overnight into Friday morning, with authorities warning that creeks, highways, underpasses, and basements were especially vulnerable.Zachary Iscol, commissioner of NYC Emergency Management, warned that the storm could bring “intense rainfall rates and amounts in a very short period of time.” City officials urged residents, especially those living in basement apartments, to move to higher ground.This storm comes just two weeks after intense rainstorms also flooded New York City and led to two deaths in New Jersey.With more rain expected overnight and into Friday, authorities across the region remain on high alert.As of Thursday night, much of the New York metro area remained paralysed, with nearly all forms of public transportation across the city.