A slow-moving storm system swept through the Northeast on Monday, July 14, triggering widespread flash floods from central Virginia to New York City. The National Weather Service said hot, humid air combined with repeated rounds of rain intensified the flood risk.
Some areas recorded up to 7 inches of rain in under five hours, overwhelming drainage systems and flooding roads, homes and transit infrastructure.
Where were the worst impacts reported?
New York and New Jersey bore the brunt of the flooding. Rising waters in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, stalled traffic and stranded buses. In New York City, flash floods shut down subway stations and parts of major highways, including the Cross Bronx Expressway.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency “out of an abundance of caution,” urging residents to stay off the roads and follow safety protocols. Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, declared a disaster emergency after recording more than 7 inches of rain and responding to 16 water rescues.
How did the storm affect transit and travel?
The storm severely disrupted rail, bus and air travel across the region. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority suspended some subway lines after water flooded stations and impacted signaling. NJ Transit and Metro-North reported delays, while PATH trains ran normally.
Dozens of flights were canceled at Newark Liberty International Airport. Although service resumed by Tuesday morning, July 15, agencies warned of residual delays.
Transit agencies and local leaders acknowledged the need for infrastructure upgrades. The MTA acknowledged that it did not build its subway system to withstand extreme weather. It identified climate-induced flooding as one of its top challenges.
Zohran Mamdani, Democratic nominee for New York mayor, urged the city to adapt to a “new climate reality,” noting the disproportionate effect on working-class communities.
What happens next with the storm system?
Forecasters expect the system to move into the Mid-Atlantic through Wednesday, July 16. The Weather Prediction Center issued flood watches and a Level 2 out of 4 rainfall risk for regions including Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C. and parts of the Carolinas.
Additional storms are possible later this week, potentially bringing more flooding to already saturated areas from New York to New England.
