3 min readNew DelhiAug 1, 2025 02:06 PM IST
First published on: Aug 1, 2025 at 02:06 PM IST
A fierce storm slammed the US East Coast on Thursday, bringing torrential rain and triggering flash floods that threw cities into chaos from New York to Washington DC. The relentless downpour led to emergency declarations in both New York and New Jersey, as streets became rivers, transit systems buckled, and daily life ground to a halt.
In New York City, the flooding was especially severe. Subways turned into waterfalls, with viral footage showing rain gushing into Grand Central Terminal and pooling across bus floors. On Instagram, The New York Times shared videos of water rushing into several train stations, while passengers were reportedly trapped on a stalled train in Queens.
Watch the video:
At the 7th Avenue station in Park Slope, Brooklyn, floodwater poured through the station walls. The Long Island Rail Road wasn’t spared either — a train in Queens was forced to stop after the tracks were overtaken by water.
Kathy Hochul, New York governor, declared a state of emergency for the city and nearby counties. “Heavy rain and potential flooding are expected to affect the evening commute. Employers are encouraged to dismiss employees early. Continue to monitor your local forecasts, and stay safe,” she posted on X.
New Jersey also moved swiftly. Acting governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency starting at 2 pm, warning that “beginning this afternoon, we are expecting severe thunderstorms to bring heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts with the potential for flash flooding across the state.”
She urged residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary: “I urge all New Jerseyans to remain alert, follow all safety protocols, and monitor the proper channels for the duration of these storms.”
Meteorologist Richard Bann from the National Weather Service explained that the storm intensified as it collided with an unusually warm and moisture-rich air mass for this time of year. Thankfully, forecasters expect Friday to bring some relief, with cooler and drier conditions on the way.
Netizens reacted to the video in the comments. A user wrote, “We are NOT prepared for climate change y’all. We need a spongy city of trees and shrubs and plants, way less concrete and macadam.”
Another user said, “Isn’t it dangerous to ride the subway with all that water? Isn’t there a risk of getting electrocuted?”
A third person commented, “The United States is a moral superpower in decline, an empire consumed by its own individualism, where freedom has turned into fragmentation and progress hides deep social decay.”
At the 7th Avenue station in Park Slope, Brooklyn, floodwater poured through the station walls 
Share
