East Coast Floods Prompt States of Emergency

Torrential rainstorms caused widespread flash flooding along the U.S. East Coast, prompting states of emergency in New Jersey and New York. Major cities such as Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York experienced submerged vehicles, flooded highways, and significant disruptions to public transit, including suspended train lines and stranded commuters. Emergency rescues were conducted for motorists trapped in rapidly rising waters, and authorities urged residents to seek higher ground and avoid travel. In New York City, floodwaters poured into Grand Central Terminal and city buses, while Long Island and New Jersey rail lines suffered major disruptions. Communities on Long Island’s south shore, including Patchogue, Oakdale, and Bohemia, were hit hardest, receiving several inches of rain in just one hour and overwhelming drainage systems. Officials warned that additional rain and flooding risks could persist through Friday.