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New York, New Jersey hit with gridlock as flooding causes travel chaos

States of Emergency Declared in New York and New Jersey Amid Catastrophic Flooding and Travel Disruptions

In a dramatic escalation of severe weather events gripping the Northeast, governors of New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency as relentless heavy rainfall triggered widespread flash flooding, submerging streets, halting transportation systems, and stranding thousands of residents and travelers. The deluge, which began intensifying late Thursday and continued into Friday, has transformed bustling urban landscapes into chaotic scenes of inundation, with emergency responders racing against time to conduct rescues and mitigate further damage. This unfolding crisis underscores the vulnerability of densely populated regions to extreme weather, prompting urgent calls for preparedness and highlighting the broader implications of climate change on infrastructure.

The flooding stems from a potent storm system that dumped several inches of rain across the tri-state area in a matter of hours, overwhelming drainage systems and swelling rivers and creeks to dangerous levels. Meteorological reports indicate that some areas received up to 8 inches of precipitation, far exceeding normal seasonal averages and leading to rapid-onset flash floods. In New York City, the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for all five boroughs, with particular emphasis on low-lying areas prone to water accumulation. Similarly, northern New Jersey bore the brunt of the storm, with communities along the Passaic and Raritan rivers experiencing severe overflows. Forecasters attribute this intensity to a slow-moving frontal boundary interacting with moist air from the Atlantic, creating a perfect storm for prolonged downpours.

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York was quick to respond, declaring a state of emergency late Thursday evening. In her statement, she emphasized the need for swift action to protect lives and property. "This is a dangerous situation, and we are mobilizing all available resources to assist those in need," Hochul said. The declaration unlocks federal funding and allows for the deployment of the National Guard, if necessary, to aid in evacuations and supply distribution. Key measures include the activation of emergency operations centers across the state, with a focus on coordinating with local municipalities to address immediate threats. In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams echoed these sentiments, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to heed evacuation orders in flood-prone zones like parts of Queens and Brooklyn.

Across the Hudson River, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy followed suit, issuing his own state of emergency declaration. Murphy highlighted the widespread impacts, noting that the flooding has affected over a dozen counties, including Bergen, Essex, and Passaic. "Our first responders are working tirelessly, but we need everyone to stay safe and stay off the roads," he stated during a press briefing. The governor's office reported that swift-water rescue teams have already been dispatched to several locations, where vehicles were swept away by raging currents. In Hoboken, a city notorious for its flood vulnerabilities due to its proximity to the Hudson River, officials reported water levels rising to knee-deep in some streets, forcing the closure of businesses and schools.

The travel chaos resulting from this flooding has been nothing short of monumental, paralyzing one of the nation's busiest transportation hubs. Major airports in the region, including John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR), have been severely impacted. The Federal Aviation Administration imposed ground stops and delays, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and diversions. Passengers at JFK described scenes of pandemonium, with terminals crowded by stranded travelers sleeping on floors amid announcements of indefinite delays. One traveler, interviewed on site, recounted, "I've been here for 12 hours; my flight to Chicago was canceled three times due to flooded runways." Similarly, at Newark, inbound flights were held in the air for extended periods, exacerbating fuel concerns and passenger discomfort.

Ground transportation has fared no better. The New York City subway system, a lifeline for millions, experienced widespread disruptions as water infiltrated tunnels and stations. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) suspended service on several lines, including parts of the A, C, and G trains, due to flooding in underground tracks. Commuters were forced to seek alternative routes, leading to overcrowded buses and ride-sharing services that quickly became overwhelmed. In New Jersey, NJ Transit halted rail services on multiple lines, including those connecting to New York Penn Station, stranding commuters mid-journey. Roadways have been equally treacherous; major thoroughfares like the FDR Drive in Manhattan and the New Jersey Turnpike saw closures after vehicles became submerged. State police reported dozens of accidents and water rescues, with tow trucks struggling to access flooded zones.

Beyond the immediate travel woes, the flooding has inflicted significant damage on infrastructure and communities. In suburban areas of Long Island and Westchester County, New York, homes and basements were inundated, leading to power outages affecting tens of thousands. Utility companies like Con Edison worked around the clock to restore electricity, but downed power lines and flooded substations complicated efforts. In New Jersey, the town of Lodi saw entire neighborhoods evacuated as the Saddle River crested its banks, with residents wading through waist-high water to salvage belongings. Emergency shelters have been set up in schools and community centers, providing refuge for those displaced. The American Red Cross has mobilized volunteers to distribute food, water, and blankets, while local charities are collecting donations for affected families.

Personal stories emerging from the crisis paint a vivid picture of human resilience amid adversity. In Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood, a resident named Maria Gonzalez described how she and her family were trapped in their apartment as water rose rapidly. "We heard the sirens and then the water just came pouring in. We grabbed what we could and climbed to the roof," she said. Firefighters eventually rescued them using boats. In Paterson, New Jersey, a group of motorists on Route 46 were caught in a flash flood; one driver, Ahmed Khan, recounted clinging to his car's roof until help arrived. "It happened so fast; one minute the road was clear, the next it was a river," he told reporters. These accounts highlight the sudden and unpredictable nature of flash floods, which experts warn can turn deadly in seconds.

Environmental experts are linking this event to broader patterns of climate change, noting that warmer ocean temperatures are fueling more intense storms. Dr. Elena Ramirez, a climatologist at Columbia University, explained, "We're seeing an increase in extreme precipitation events due to a warmer atmosphere holding more moisture. This isn't an isolated incident; it's part of a trend that demands adaptive infrastructure." Indeed, New York and New Jersey have invested billions in resiliency projects post-Hurricane Sandy in 2012, including elevated roadways and flood barriers, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address aging sewer systems and urban sprawl that exacerbates runoff.

As the storm system begins to taper off, forecasts predict lingering showers through the weekend, with a risk of additional flooding in already saturated areas. The National Weather Service has advised continued vigilance, particularly for riverine flooding that could peak in the coming days. Recovery efforts are underway, with federal agencies like FEMA assessing damage for potential disaster declarations. Governors Hochul and Murphy have pledged full support, including expedited aid for repairs and reimbursements for local governments.

This flooding event serves as a stark reminder of the Northeast's susceptibility to weather extremes, disrupting daily life and economies reliant on seamless transportation. As communities band together to rebuild, the focus shifts to long-term solutions that can mitigate future risks in an era of increasingly volatile climate patterns. With the immediate crisis still unfolding, officials urge residents to stay informed through official channels and prioritize safety above all. The resilience shown by first responders and citizens alike offers hope amid the deluge, but the path to normalcy will undoubtedly be a challenging one. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Newsweek Article at:
[ https://www.newsweek.com/state-emergency-ny-nj-travel-chaos-flooding-2107302 ]