WATCH: Flooding in New York subways and roads, New Jersey declares State of Emergency

Tasleem Gierdien

Tasleem Gierdien

18 July 2025 | 11:06

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for all five New York City boroughs, urging residents to remain indoors.

WATCH: Flooding in New York subways and roads, New Jersey declares State of Emergency

Videos of New York's life-threatening flash floods are going viral, reports Friedman. 

On Monday, 14 July, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for all five boroughs of New York City, urging residents to remain indoors.

New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy, declared a State of Emergency in response to relentless downpours battering the north east. In New York City, officials warned residents, particularly those in basement apartments, to prepare for potential evacuations.

Shocking footage shows torrents of water surging into subway stations, causing major service disruptions. The New York Transit Department reported ongoing rescue operations at several Queens subway stops. Meanwhile, the train service on both lines of the Staten Island Railway was suspended due to heavy flooding.

Flooded roads left many motorists stranded in their vehicles, while air travel was also severely impacted. Flights were grounded at major airports including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, resulting in widespread delays and cancellations.

Authorities are monitoring the evolving situation and continue to issue urgent safety advisories. 

The National Weather Service has forecast continued rainfall, warning of more flash floods.

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority considers the extreme weather induced by climate change to be one of its challenges, pointing at how flash floods have repeatedly overwhelmed subway stations, tracks, and trainyards, notes Friedman. 

A 2023 report forewarned saying, "the subway was not built for this" and weather experts are saying "this is what we're going to be dealing with, it's going to get worse", Friedman adds.

"There's something about seeing water gushing so high into the subway. The videos are just astonishing... it's crazy."
- Barbara Friedman, Barb's Wire - CapeTalk

Watch videos captured from the flash flooding below:

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