PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY — Two women lost their lives after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters during a sudden deluge that struck New Jersey on Monday night, part of a series of powerful storms that battered the tri-state area.
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the victims, both adult women, were driving along Stelle Avenue in Plainfield when rising waters carried their vehicle into Cedar Brook — the area hardest hit by the storm. Their names have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Torrential downpours, with rainfall rates exceeding 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas, overwhelmed drainage systems, turned streets into rivers, disrupted public transportation, and prompted New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency in the most severely affected zones.
House Explosion Amid Storm Chaos
In a separate incident Monday night, a home in North Plainfield exploded around 11:30 p.m. on Parkview Avenue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the family had evacuated earlier due to flood risk. The house was destroyed in the blast.
Transportation Disruptions and Road Closures
Throughout New Jersey, heavy flooding led to widespread delays and cancellations on trains and buses. In New York City, the MTA reported partial subway suspensions and severe delays across multiple lines.
Viral videos posted on social media showed water gushing into subway stations in Manhattan, flooding platforms and forcing passengers to climb onto seats inside train cars to stay dry.
Major highways including the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Cross Bronx Expressway were temporarily shut down due to flooding and downed trees.
In Westchester County, emergency crews performed multiple water rescues after drivers became trapped in submerged vehicles, according to spokesperson Carolyn Fortino.
Flood Emergencies in Neighboring States
In Staten Island, a flash flood warning was issued after rainfall totals reached between 4 and 6 inches.
In Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, more than 7 inches of rain fell in under five hours, prompting local officials to declare a state of disaster. While 16 water rescues were conducted, no injuries were reported.
By Monday night, rainfall began to subside and water levels gradually receded across many areas. In Metuchen, NJ, Mayor Jonathan M. Busch reported that while the city experienced severe flooding, there were no casualties and conditions were starting to improve.
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