Severe storms swept through New Jersey and New York on Monday, unleashing torrential rains that caused flash flooding, closed subways, and turned deadly for the second time this month. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, warning residents to stay indoors as rainfall reached more than two inches per hour in some areas.
In Plainfield, New Jersey, two women were killed when floodwaters swept their vehicle into Cedar Brook from Stelle Avenue. Earlier this month, the same city lost two more residents after thunderstorms toppled trees, bringing the local death toll to four in July alone.
“All of Plainfield grieves this latest loss,” said Mayor Adrian Mapp. “To lose four residents in such a short span of time is unimaginable.”
The storm caused massive disruptions in both states. In New York City, heavy flooding led to the temporary suspension of several subway lines. Some areas experienced rainfall comparable to the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021—within just a single hour. Roadways were shut down due to high water and fallen trees, and emergency crews responded to submerged vehicles in Westchester County.
In Suffern, New York, floodwaters under a train station overpass reached up to two feet, rendering key roadways impassable. Staten Island was hit with four to six inches of rain and received flood warnings, while runoff pushed the Bronx River to moderate flood stage.
The storm’s devastation extended to Pennsylvania, where Mount Joy declared a disaster emergency after receiving over seven inches of rain in less than five hours.
In North Plainfield, New Jersey, floodwaters were so intense that a house exploded late Monday night. Fortunately, the home was unoccupied at the time, likely because the family had evacuated to higher ground.
As the region recovers, officials warn that the damage may exceed that of earlier storms this month, both in human loss and property destruction. Emergency responders continue to work through the aftermath as more rainfall is expected.
