Flooded Streets And Subways As Powerful Storms Slam U.S. East Coast

Severe storms swept through the U.S. East Coast on Thursday and Friday, leaving major cities battling widespread flooding, transportation disruptions, and power outages. Heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems in multiple states, flooding streets, subways, and homes from Washington, D.C. to Boston.

New York City was among the hardest hit. More than four inches of rain fell in under three hours during the early morning commute, swamping subway tunnels, halting dozens of train lines, and stranding thousands of commuters. Videos posted online showed waist-deep water gushing into subway stations in Brooklyn and the Bronx. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) suspended several lines and warned riders to avoid unnecessary travel.

This is one of the most intense flash flooding events we’ve seen in recent years, said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. Our first responders are working around the clock to rescue stranded passengers and support impacted communities.

Elsewhere along the East Coast, cities reported similar scenes of chaos. In Philadelphia, several neighborhoods saw up to six feet of water on streets, prompting evacuations and swift water rescues. In Washington, D.C., the National Mall and surrounding areas experienced temporary closures due to pooling water and lightning threats.

More than 300,000 customers lost power across the region, according to utility companies, with restoration efforts expected to continue through the weekend. Air travel was also affected, with major delays and cancellations reported at JFK, LaGuardia, and Reagan National airports.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service (NWS) say the storms were fueled by an unusually moist air mass combined with a stalled frontal boundary, leading to localized downpours and dangerous flash floods. A flood watch remains in effect for parts of the Northeast through Friday evening, with additional rainfall expected.

“We are urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” said NWS meteorologist Lisa Kern. “Turn around, don’t drown floodwaters are extremely dangerous.”

State and local governments in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have declared states of emergency, unlocking federal assistance and activating National Guard support.

As the East Coast braces for further storms in the coming days, officials continue to assess damage and prepare for ongoing recovery operations.