Flash flooding across northeastern United States has left at least two people dead in New Jersey, leading to widespread travel disruptions and emergency regimes across many states.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy confirmed the deaths took place in the city of Plainfield, repeatedly hit by storms over the last two weeks. In particular, on July 3, the city also experienced deadly flooding that led to three fatalities.
“We’re not unique, but we’re in one of these high humidity, high temperature, high storm intensity patterns right now,” Murphy told reporters.
Flood warnings began to lift Tuesday morning across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, but floodwaters remain in some low-lying communities. The National Weather Service described the system as a “moisture-rich summertime airmass” fueling storms leading to heavy downpours and flash flooding.
In New York City, video footage showed floodwaters pouring into subway stations, while in New Jersey, stranded vehicles clogged roadways. Governor Murphy declared a state of emergency on Monday, urging people to avoid travel.
Rescue crews in Westchester County, New York, worked through the night to help people trapped in vehicles, while in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, emergency responders conducted 16 water rescues after a deluge dropped over seven inches of rain in under five hours.
Carolyn Fortino, a spokesperson for Westchester County’s executive office, outlined that residents should not attempt to travel unless they are evacuating a flooded area or following official orders.
The floods come at a time of heightened scrutiny over U.S. disaster preparedness, especially after recent flooding in Texas killed at least 131 people, including many children.
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