NYC, New Jersey hit by severe flash floods; emergency declared
What's the story
Torrential rains have hit the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, causing flash flooding in New York City and northern New Jersey. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for all five boroughs of NYC, with over an inch of rain falling on parts of Staten Island and Manhattan by early evening. More rainfall is expected overnight.
Safety measures
NYC Emergency Management advises residents to evacuate
In light of the severe weather conditions, New York City Emergency Management has advised residents living in basement flats to be ready for quick evacuations. They recommended keeping a phone, torch, and Go Bag handy and being prepared to move to higher ground. The Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan recorded 1.47 inches of rain by 7:30pm, while Staten Island received 1.67 inches, according to city emergency updates.
State response
New Jersey governor declares state of emergency
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency due to flash flooding and heavy rainfall. He advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Metuchen Mayor Jonathan Busch said police were rescuing motorists stranded in floodwaters and taking them to the borough's high school for shelter. "Much of the borough is experiencing significant flooding," he said, urging residents to stay off the roads.
Twitter Post
Visuals from Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield, NJ #thunderstorm #flashflood @DaveCurren @JoeMartWx @News12NJ pic.twitter.com/Gj1NRx0pOk
— Andrew Winters (@weather_winters) July 14, 2025
Flights
Several flights grounded
At least six East Coast airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, were forced to suspened operations on Monday due to storms. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, ground stop orders were issued at New York City's JFK and LaGuardia airports, as well as New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport, on Monday evening. Flights were also halted at Philadelphia International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.