New York, New Jersey declare flash flood emergencies, at least 9 reported dead
Though Ida has diminished in status from a powerful Category 4 hurricane to "remnants," the storm system continues to bring catastrophic flooding and severe weather, now to the U.S. Northeast. Parts of the U.S. South are still recovering from Ida's devastating hit on Sunday, while the governors of New York and New Jersey declared a state of emergency late Wednesday night as record-breaking rains led to hazardous conditions and flash flooding.
"I am declaring a state of emergency to help New Yorkers affected by tonight's storm," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Twitter.
Early Wednesday evening, several tornadoes spawned in Maryland and New Jersey with significant damage reported in Gloucester County, New Jersey. The situation rapidly escalated in the Tri-State area to a dangerous flash flooding event as a result of rainfall rates of 40-80 mm per hour.
At least nine deaths have been reported, with one person killed in flash flooding that inundated the New Jersey city of Passaic, Mayor Hector Lora told CNN.
NBC New York reported that one more person had died in New Jersey and seven had died in New York City, including a 2-year-old boy. Local media reported that people had been trapped in their basements as the storm sent water surging through the city.
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FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY: SECOND EVER FOR NEW YORK CITY
The U.S. National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency for parts of New York City. This is the only the second time ever this type of alert has ever been issued for the New York City Metro area.
The weather station in Central Park, New York, recorded nearly 80 mm of rain in one hour. So far, the Central Park weather station has observed over 180 mm of rain; that's over half a foot of rain.
Many residents of the Tri-State area are dealing with flooded homes, subways, and even flooding at the major airports including Newark. Roadways are flooded and impassable with reports of vehicles floating in Queens, New York.
The I-95, the interstate that spans the U.S. east coast, has sections underwater. The entire subway system in New York City has been temporarily suspended due to flooding. First responders evacuated people from the subway system. All non-emergency vehicles were also banned from New York City's streets until 5 a.m. on Thursday,
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio urged people to just stay home.
"Please stay off the streets tonight and let our first responders and emergency services get their work done. If you're thinking of going outside, don't. Stay off the subways. Stay off the roads. Don't drive into these heavy waters. Stay inside", he wrote on Twitter.
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DEVASTATION UNFOLDS ACROSS U.S. NORTHEAST:
This is an evolving situation. Be sure to check back for the latest updates.
Thumnail image courtesy: NYPD 19th Precinct
With files from Reuters.
