Torrential rains have triggered massive floods, submerging subways and shutting down major roadways. Officials have declared a state of emergency and are urging residents to stay off the roads as the chaos continues.
August 1, 2025: A state of emergency has been declared for New York and New Jersey as torrential rains and severe thunderstorms have triggered widespread flash flood, causing major disruptions across the region. The intense rainfall, the second such event in two weeks, has submerged subways, flooded major highways, and crippled transportation networks, prompting officials to urge residents to stay off the roads.
The declarations were made by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way as rain-soaked streets became impassable and water cascaded into subway stations. Viral videos captured scenes of water gushing into Grand Central Terminal and pooling on the floors of buses, while a Long Island Rail Road train was stalled in Queens due to flooded tracks.
Major transportation hubs have been severely affected, with hundreds of flights canceled or delayed at Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK airports. In New York City, emergency crews responded to multiple incidents of stranded vehicles on inundated highways, including the Clearview Expressway in Queens, where a semi-truck and several cars were submerged.
Officials have advised residents to avoid all non-essential travel and have recommended that employers dismiss employees early to prevent further chaos during the evening commute. A travel advisory and flood watch remain in effect, as forecasters warn that some areas could see several more inches of rain. The situation is a significant test for the region’s infrastructure, which is still recovering from a similar flash flood event just a couple of weeks ago.