Multiple states in the northeastern United States have been facing a critical situation since Monday, July 14, due to intense storms that have caused torrential rains, strong winds and high risk of flash flooding in urban and rural areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood warnings in effect for much of the Mid-Atlantic, including densely populated areas such as Philadelphia and Levittown in Pennsylvania, Camden and Bergen in New Jersey, Chapel Hill and Carborro in North Carolina, as well as the five boroughs of New York City.
Urban flooding and suspended flights
🚨#BREAKING: New Jersey Flash Flood Turnpike Underwater Amid Heavy Rains, State Of Emergency Declared
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Monday as torrential rain and flash floods swamped roads, downed trees, and shut down major routes, including the New… pic.twitter.com/SokfYMA2XN
– SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) July 15, 2025
Accumulated rainfall has reached 12 to 17 centimeters in some areas, causing flooding in streets, highways and collapsed drainage systems.
In the state of New Jersey, particularly in central New Jersey, there have been road closures, damage to infrastructure and multiple reports of stranded vehicles.
Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency and urged residents not to leave their homes unless strictly necessary.
“Avoid displacements. These conditions are dangerous for everyone,” he wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
In the New York metropolitan area, the effects have been significant.
La Guardia Airport suspended all flights until 21:15 local time due to extreme weather conditions.
JFK airport has reported average delays of three hours, while Newark (New Jersey) airport also halted operations for several hours.
Highway and emergency rescues in the Hudson Valley
Our crews were on the scene in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, where they witnessed a dramatic water rescue unfold.
A flash flood warning is still in effect as downpours soak parts of Tri-State Area. https://t.co/GPdoGdfJTU pic.twitter.com/qM83uP8t9H
– CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) July 15, 2025
In Westchester and Rockland counties, north of New York City, the situation is particularly serious.
Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that flood rescues have been conducted in those areas, although no fatalities have been confirmed so far.
Videos are circulating on social media showing completely flooded streets in White Plains.
As well as rivers overflowing in parts of the Hudson Valley region, where the state Department of Transportation is also maintaining a high alert.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, several road accesses are blocked due to water accumulation, and operations at the local airport have been suspended until further notice.
Residents have shared images of cars floating on the roads and streams washing away trash and debris in downtown areas of the city.
A summer of intense storms
These new storms come just a week after flooding in Texas left at least 120 people dead and nearly 170 missing, according to official figures.
Meteorological experts have warned that summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most extreme in terms of hydrometeorological phenomena, with patterns favoring rapid, high-intensity storms, exacerbated by climate change.
The NWS recommends the public follow local updates, avoid crossing flooded areas on foot or by vehicle, and have a family emergency plan on hand.
In many Hispanic communities, local organizations such as churches, clinics and community centers are offering temporary shelters and assistance in Spanish for those in need.
Avoid travel. These conditions are dangerous for everyone
