Severe Storms Flood Philadelphia, NYC, NJ, Disrupt Transport, Prompt Emergency Declarations

A powerful storm system swept across the US East Coast on Thursday, unleashing heavy rains that caused significant flooding in major cities such as Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Philadelphia experienced flash flooding with some areas receiving up to 5 inches of rain, leading to submerged vehicles, flooded yards, and water entering underground transit stations. In New York, the Long Island Rail Road tracks were inundated, causing service suspensions and stranding passengers who required rescue; a rockslide triggered by the flooding also affected residential areas near the tracks. The storm prompted states of emergency in New York and New Jersey, with widespread transit disruptions, power outages, and emergency crews conducting rescues amid hazardous conditions. Meanwhile, in Great Falls, Montana, an intense downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, flooding streets and stranding vehicles, highlighting the storm's broad impact beyond the East Coast. Authorities across affected regions urged caution and advised the public to avoid flooded roadways to ensure safety.