Home / Disasters and Accidents / East Coast Drenched: Flash Floods Hit NY, NJ, PA, MD
East Coast Drenched: Flash Floods Hit NY, NJ, PA, MD
19 May
Summary
- Torrential rains caused widespread flooding across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
- New Jersey declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay indoors.
- Major airports suspended departures, and New York City subway lines faced disruptions.
Torrential rain saturated parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland on Monday night, leading to widespread flooding. In response to the severe conditions, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, advising residents to remain indoors.
Flash floods disrupted travel across the US Eastern Seaboard, stranding vehicles and necessitating emergency rescues. Authorities warned of hazardous driving conditions due to the risk of sudden floods, with the National Weather Service advising drivers to avoid flooded roads. New York City experienced significant subway line suspensions and delays, alongside widespread traffic gridlock.
Major airports serving the region, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, temporarily halted departures Monday night, resulting in numerous flight cancellations. In Pennsylvania, a disaster declaration was issued for Lancaster due to severe flash flooding, where emergency responders performed water rescues and aided those trapped in flooded basements. Staten Island recorded substantial rainfall, exacerbating localized flooding.
