New York declares state of emergency as flash floods submerge Queens, disrupt New Jersey
Image: X (@nycgob)A powerful storm system has triggered flash floods and widespread disruption across New York and New Jersey, prompting authorities to issue a state of emergency and urgent public safety warnings. Torrential rains flooded streets, stranded commuters, and overwhelmed drainage systems in several areas, including Queens.The National Weather Service placed nearly 50 million residents from Washington, DC, to Boston under flood watches, warning that multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms pose a serious risk of life-threatening flash floods, especially in urban and low-lying areas.Unofficial rainfall totals across NYC:Staten Island: 1.92 inchesBrooklyn: 1.37 inchesGold Street/Navy Yard: 1.26 inchesBrownsville: 1.19 inchesAlphabet City: 1.01 inchesThe New York City government announced that flash flood warnings would remain in effect across several counties into the early hours, while the flood watch and travel advisory are expected to last until 8 a.m. on Friday.Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency late Thursday night, urging residents to stay indoors.“I’ve issued a state of emergency. The Travel Advisory and Flood Watch are in effect until 8 AM. Stay where you are if you can. Don’t drive. Roadways are flooding, and crews are responding,” Adams posted on X (formerly Twitter).“If you live in a basement apartment and haven’t yet moved to higher ground, move now,” he added.Emergency response teams are actively deployed across affected areas, and transportation services have been partially suspended or rerouted in flood-prone zones.Residents are advised to monitor local alerts, avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, and remain vigilant as the storm system continues to sweep through the region.
 |
| Image: X (@nycgob) |
A powerful storm system has triggered flash floods and widespread disruption across New York and New Jersey, prompting authorities to issue a state of emergency and urgent public safety warnings. Torrential rains flooded streets, stranded commuters, and overwhelmed drainage systems in several areas, including Queens.
The National Weather Service placed nearly 50 million residents from Washington, DC, to Boston under flood watches, warning that multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms pose a serious risk of life-threatening flash floods, especially in urban and low-lying areas.
Unofficial rainfall totals across NYC:
Staten Island: 1.92 inches
Brooklyn: 1.37 inches
Gold Street/Navy Yard: 1.26 inches
Brownsville: 1.19 inches
Alphabet City: 1.01 inches
The New York City government announced that flash flood warnings would remain in effect across several counties into the early hours, while the flood watch and travel advisory are expected to last until 8 a.m. on Friday.
Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency late Thursday night, urging residents to stay indoors.
“I’ve issued a state of emergency. The Travel Advisory and Flood Watch are in effect until 8 AM. Stay where you are if you can. Don’t drive. Roadways are flooding, and crews are responding,” Adams posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“If you live in a basement apartment and haven’t yet moved to higher ground, move now,” he added.
Emergency response teams are actively deployed across affected areas, and transportation services have been partially suspended or rerouted in flood-prone zones.
Residents are advised to monitor local alerts, avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, and remain vigilant as the storm system continues to sweep through the region.
What's Your Reaction?
