Flash floods kill 2 in New Jersey storms
Severe storms in the Northeast led to flash flooding, resulting in two fatalities in New Jersey. The intense rainfall overwhelmed the region, causing significant travel disruptions across airports, highways, and railways. In Manhattan's Central Park, over 5 centimeters of rain fell within an hour, marking one of the highest recorded rates in history. Videos captured flooding in subway stations, with water gushing into platforms and stairways, as the subway system struggled to cope with the deluge.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency after two individuals drowned when their vehicle was swept away in Plainfield. Emergency responders rescued 21 people from submerged cars as floodwaters rapidly rose. Some areas experienced up to 15 centimeters of rain in less than 2.5 hours, with Governor Murphy attributing the extreme weather to climate change.
In Westchester County, multiple water rescues were conducted as highways became impassable. The National Weather Service reported over 200 flooding incidents across the U.S., primarily in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, more than 17 centimeters of rain fell in under five hours, prompting a disaster declaration.
The National Weather Service cautioned that additional rainfall was expected, urging drivers to avoid flooded roads, as most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles. This flooding event follows a recent storm in Texas that claimed over 130 lives, highlighting the increasing risks associated with climate change. Local leaders emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements to withstand such extreme weather events, marking a shift in the region's climate reality.
