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Severe storms and flash flooding swept across the East Coast on Monday (July 14), resulting in the deaths of two individuals in Plainfield, New Jersey. The victims' vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the storm, and despite quick response from emergency personnel, both were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the deceased have not been released, pending family notification.
The intense rainfall caused widespread chaos, turning streets into rivers, shutting down subways, and stranding drivers. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. New York City experienced its second-wettest hour on record, with over two inches of rain falling in just one hour, causing significant subway flooding and delays.
In addition to the fatalities, the severe weather led to numerous rescues and evacuations. In North Plainfield, New Jersey, a house exploded due to severe floodwaters, though the occupants had evacuated to higher ground beforehand. Meanwhile, a flash flood emergency was declared in Petersburg, Virginia, where three to six inches of rain fell in a few hours, leading to water rescues and significant damage.
The National Weather Service has warned that the saturated ground in affected areas could lead to further flash flooding with additional rainfall. Flood watches remain in effect for parts of Virginia, Maryland, and other regions, as more rain is expected in the coming days. The storm's impact extended beyond the Northeast, with flooding reported in central Texas, Florida, and the mid-Atlantic region,.