New York, New Jersey Declare State of Emergency Amid Flash Floods

Last Updated:August 01, 2025, 17:34 IST

Key thoroughfares, including the Queens Highway, were submerged in the New York City.

Officials particularly warned residents living on ground floors or in basement flats to relocate to safer areas

Torrential rains unleashed powerful storms and flash flooding across New York City and New Jersey on Thursday, causing widespread disruption to transportation and public safety. Several vehicles were trapped in rising floodwaters, while major roads and highways became impassable.

Key thoroughfares, including the Queens Highway, were submerged, and floodwaters reached platforms at Grand Central Station. A Long Island Rail Road train was stranded on the tracks for several hours near Bayside station in Queens. Passengers were eventually evacuated using ladders, according to the New York Post.

Manhattan’s subway system also suffered a power outage, leading to significant delays as commuters waited at stations in hopes of getting home. At least two vehicles were reported to be completely submerged.

The severity of the flooding prompted New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams to declare a state of emergency, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travelling through flooded areas or using the underground network. Emergency services placed vehicles, power generators, and other critical resources on standby.

Officials particularly warned residents living on ground floors or in basement flats to relocate to safer areas. “If you live in a basement apartment or low-lying area, be ready to move to higher ground," New York City’s 311 service posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Several highways were closed due to the extreme weather, including the Long Island Expressway, Cross Island Parkway, and Staten Island Expressway. The Weather Service issued a tornado warning for New Jersey, which has also been placed under a state of emergency. Residents in the boroughs of the Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), Manhattan, Queens, and Richmond (Staten Island) were warned of severe thunderstorms and flash floods.

“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," stated Acting Governor Tahesha Way.

The storm system also extended to other regions, including Philadelphia, parts of Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Air travel was heavily disrupted, with more than 1,400 flights cancelled across the US on Thursday. New York City’s airports and Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C., were among the hardest hit.

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