At least two people have died due to severe flooding caused by heavy rains in the New York City area. Officials confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday. The storm dropped over two inches of rain in just one hour on Monday night, marking it as the second-wettest hour in the city’s recorded history.
The flooding was particularly devastating in Plainfield, New Jersey, located about 30 miles from New York City. A vehicle was swept away by the floodwaters, resulting in the deaths of two individuals inside.
Subway services in New York City faced significant disruptions during the storm. Several lines experienced delays as multiple stations in Manhattan became flooded. Janno Lieber, the Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, explained that the city’s sewer and stormwater systems are designed to handle about one and a half to one and three-quarters inches of rain per hour. However, the rainfall exceeded this capacity, causing the system to back up into the subway.
The intense rainfall led to flash flood warnings across the metropolitan area, leaving some subway riders stranded while others dealt with pools of water on the platforms. Although service was restored later that night, delays continued.
In response to the flooding, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, as several counties were under flash flood warnings. He linked the severity of the storm to climate change, stating that it impacts not just New Jersey, but the entire planet.
Rescue crews worked tirelessly, pulling drivers from stalled vehicles and launching boats into the flooded streets. They used rafts, a large truck, and a frontloader to assist those in need.
As the storm moves southward, conditions are expected to improve on Tuesday. This flooding incident follows a series of flash floods in Texas that have claimed over 130 lives, with more than 100 people still unaccounted for. The recent weather events highlight the growing concerns about severe storms and their impact on communities.
