Storm Floods Northeast; Emergencies Declared in States

New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency as severe thunderstorms and torrential rain impact the Northeast, with flash flood warnings issued from Washington, D.C., to Boston. Rainfall rates are reaching up to 3 inches per hour, and some areas may see totals of 5 to 8 inches, threatening to overwhelm aging infrastructure. Both New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way have urged residents to stay indoors, while New York City Mayor Eric Adams specifically advised those in basement apartments to seek higher ground. The storm has caused major disruptions, including ground stops and delays at major airports, closures of highways, and suspended rail services. Emergency crews have conducted water rescues and responded to stranded commuters due to widespread flooding. The National Weather Service cites a cold front interacting with high atmospheric moisture as the cause, warning that hazardous conditions may persist into Friday.