Floods Kill Four, Cause Chaos in NJ and NY

Severe flash flooding hit New Jersey on Monday night, killing two women in Plainfield after their car was swept into Cedar Brook and raising the city's storm-related death toll to four for the month. Rainfall totals reached up to 6.5 inches in some areas, prompting Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency and urge residents to stay indoors as emergency crews conducted dozens of water rescues. In North Plainfield, a gas explosion destroyed a vacant home during the flooding. New York City also experienced significant disruption, with subway stations inundated and transit services suspended. City officials in Plainfield closed parks, pools, and senior centers to assess storm damage and are emphasizing the need to enhance emergency response systems amid more frequent severe storms. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as forecasts warn of additional storms and hazards.