New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency as torrential downpours unleashed severe flash flooding across the region, submerging vehicles, stranding residents, and causing major travel disruption.
The intense rainfall, which saw a month's worth of precipitation fall in just a few hours, turned streets into rivers and prompted dozens of high-water rescues, particularly in the state capital of Trenton.
Dramatic Rescues and Widespread Chaos
Emergency services were stretched to their limits as they responded to countless calls for help. In one dramatic incident, rescue teams evacuated multiple individuals from a Trenton building completely surrounded by floodwaters. Social media footage captured the alarming speed and depth of the rising waters, showing cars almost entirely submerged.
Governor Murphy, in his announcement, urged residents to "stay off the roads, stay home, and stay safe." The directive came as numerous roads were rendered impassable, and major highways experienced significant delays and closures.
Transport Network Brought to a Standstill
The transport sector bore the brunt of the extreme weather. New Jersey Transit reported extensive system-wide delays and suspensions on both rail and bus services, stranding commuters. Flooding also severely impacted Philadelphia's SEPTA service, halting all regional rail lines and creating a ripple effect of travel chaos across the Northeast Corridor.
Flight cancellations and delays stacked up at Newark Liberty International Airport, further compounding the travel misery for thousands.
A Stark Warning and Ongoing Response
Meteorologists had issued flash flood warnings for millions of people in the tri-state area, highlighting the dangerous and life-threatening nature of the situation. The storm system is part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting the US northeast.
As the water begins to recede, the focus will shift to assessing the full extent of the damage to infrastructure and property. The declaration of a state of emergency allows state agencies to allocate resources more effectively to assist in the response and recovery efforts.
