Torrential rain slammed the Northeast on Thursday, flooding streets in NYC and New Jersey, stranding train passengers, and shutting down major roads. A person in Maryland died after being trapped in a storm drain. States of emergency were declared, with Queens hit hardest—getting 5 inches of rain. Cleanup is ongoing, with more flash flooding possible.
Storms cause death and widespread flooding
One person has died and several cities are experiencing severe flooding as powerful storms swept through the Northeast on Thursday. Torrential rain caused significant disruptions across New York City and New Jersey, submerging streets, trapping train passengers, and forcing the closure of major roadways. The hardest-hit areas, particularly in Queens, saw up to 5 inches of rainfall, leading to widespread chaos.
Maryland death leads to emergency declarations
In Maryland, a person tragically died after becoming trapped in a storm drain amidst the intense flooding. The severity of the situation prompted states of emergency to be declared, allowing for expedited resource deployment and assistance to affected communities.
Cleanup underway as more rain is expected
Cleanup efforts are currently underway as residents and emergency services work to restore normalcy. However, the threat of further flash flooding remains a concern, with weather forecasts indicating the potential for additional heavy rainfall in the coming days. Authorities are urging residents to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Urban vulnerability and disaster preparedness highlighted
The storms underscore the increasing vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather events and highlight the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure and comprehensive disaster preparedness measures. As cleanup continues, communities are bracing for the possibility of more severe weather and focusing on mitigating the impacts of future storms.