Severe storms slammed the U.S. East Coast on Thursday, drenching cities from Philadelphia to New York with heavy rain that triggered flash flooding, snarled travel and left drivers stranded on submerged highways. More than 1,100 flights were canceled, and emergency crews rushed to rescue people trapped in cars and flooded basements.
Torrential Rain and States of Emergency
The storms unleashed rainfall at rates of up to 3 inches per hour, with some areas receiving 5 to 7 inches in just a few hours, according to the National Weather Service. Streets in Queens, Brooklyn, and northern New Jersey turned into fast‑moving rivers, and several subway stations were swamped by brown, churning water.
New York City and New Jersey declared states of emergency as officials warned residents to avoid basement apartments and stay off flooded roads. “We’re seeing extremely dangerous conditions,” New York City Emergency Management said in a statement, urging people to remain indoors.
Air Travel Chaos
Airports along the Northeast corridor were hit hard. JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Philadelphia International all reported widespread cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of travelers stranded or rerouted. FlightAware reported 1,170 cancellations and hundreds more delays by late Thursday.
Some flights out of D.C.‑area airports were also grounded as storm bands pushed south, and airlines warned of residual disruptions into the weekend.
Rail and Road Disruptions
Travel wasn’t much easier on the ground. Amtrak temporarily suspended service between Philadelphia and Wilmington after tracks flooded, while Long Island Rail Road commuters were evacuated by ladder near Bayside Station when water rose around a stalled train.
Major roadways, including the Long Island Expressway and Clearview Expressway, were impassable for hours. Emergency responders in Philadelphia, New York City, and suburban Maryland used boats and high‑water vehicles to rescue stranded motorists.
Tragic Incidents and Rescues
In Mount Airy, Maryland, a 13‑year‑old boy died after being swept into a storm drain, and multiple water rescues were conducted, including an 8‑year‑old pulled from a submerged car in Montgomery County, authorities said.
In Queens, firefighters pulled several drivers from partially submerged vehicles on the Long Island Expressway. Officials reported no major structural damage but warned that sudden flash flooding remains a serious hazard for urban areas.
Travelers Urged to Check Updates
With cleanup and drainage efforts underway, travelers and commuters are advised to check flight statuses and transit alerts before heading out. Residual delays and closures are expected to last into Friday and possibly the weekend, as transit agencies assess damage and reopen flooded lines.
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