Heavy rains and flash flooding sweep across the Northeast
[July 15, 2025]
NEW YORK (AP) — Heavy rain swept across parts of the U.S.
Northeast on Monday night, inundating sections of New York and New
Jersey with flash flooding that stranded vehicles in roadways, closed
subway lines and led to a declaration of a state of emergency.
Most flash flood watches and warnings expired in parts of New Jersey,
New York and Pennsylvania as the rain moved on, but some roads and
streets were still flooded as of Tuesday morning.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency due to flash
flooding and heavy rainfall, advising people to stay indoors and avoid
unnecessary travel. A video posted to social media by CBS showed flood
waters bring a major roadway in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, to a
standstill, stranding buses.
In one flooded North Plainfield, New Jersey, neighborhood, a house
caught on fire and collapsed, possibly due to an explosion, not long
after the family inside had evacuated, authorities said. No injuries
were reported.
In New York City, some subway service was temporarily suspended while
other lines were running with severe delays due to flooding, according
to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. New York's emergency
services agency wrote on the social platform X that parts of the city
and mid-Hudson were getting hit with flash floods.
Video posted on social media appears to show water flooding down into a
Manhattan subway station, submerging the platform while passengers
inside a train watch. Another photo appears to show passengers standing
on a train's seats to avoid the water beginning to soak the floor.

Parts of major thoroughfares in New York, such as the northbound lanes
of the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Cross Bronx Expressway, were
temporarily closed due to flooding and at least one downed tree.
Officials in New York's Westchester County were working to rescue people
whose vehicles were submerged in water, according to Carolyn Fortino, a
spokesperson for the county executive.
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This image made from video shows a flooded street in Rahway, N.J.,
on July 14, 2025.(WABC-TV via AP

“At this time, residents are still strongly advised to avoid all
travel unless fleeing an area that is subject to flooding, or under
an evacuation order,” she said in an email.
A flood warning was also issued for Staten Island, which had seen
about 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 centimeters) of rain, according to
NYC’s emergency notification system.
Mount Joy, in southeastern Pennsylvania, declared a disaster
emergency as more than 7 inches (17.8 centimeters) of rain fell in
less than five hours Monday, according to the Fire Department Mount
Joy. Some people reported over 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water in their
homes and emergency responders made 16 water rescues, although no
injuries were reported.
“The declaration enables us to access additional resources to
support residents and accelerate recovery efforts,” Borough
Emergency Management Coordinator Philip Colvin said in a statement.
By Monday evening, the rainfall had lessened and water in Mount Joy
had started to recede.
In Metuchen, New Jersey, about 34 miles (55 kilometers) southwest of
New York City, Mayor Jonathan M. Busch, wrote on Facebook that the
borough was significantly flooded, but by Monday evening water
levels had already receded.
“It looks like the worst of the storm is behind us and thankfully,
everyone is safe,” he said.
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