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State of emergency declared in New York

Shocking footage shows multiple vehicles submerged in water as the Big Apple and New Jersey come under a life threatening flash flood warning.

Shane Galvin, New York Post and Maria Bervanakis
less than 2 min read
August 1, 2025 - 12:35PM
National News Network

A Queens highway was left underwater, trapping a semi-truck and other vehicles, on Thursday afternoon as torrential rain stormed into the area — prompting a statement of emergency for New York and New Jersey.

Shocking footage of the flooding on parts of the Clearview Expressway, near Northern Boulevard, were posted on X and the highway was subsequently closed in both directions, according to the NYPD.

Photos circulating on social media, captured from a traffic cam, show at least two cars nearly fully submerged in waters that rise to the door of an 18-wheel truck that appears to be stalled out.

Members of the FDNY and the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit raced to the area at about 2:45pm after reports of occupants trapped inside submerged vehicles, authorities said.

Those inside the stalled cars made it out safely, the FDNY said — though it wasn’t immediately clear if they were rescued or escaped under their own power.

The Clearview was subsequently closed in both directions at Northern Boulevard, according to the NYPD.

Another video shows flooding on board a bus carrying passengers in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.

Meanwhile commuters at the 7th Avenue station in Park Slope were pictured walking through water as floodwater seeped through the walls.
Heavy thunderstorms rolled into the New York City-area on Thursday afternoon and forecasts predicted widespread flooding and as much as 5 inches of rain in parts of the region.

Gov. Hochul declared a state of emergency as the skies opened up.

“Heavy rain and potential flooding are expected to affect the evening commute. Employers are encouraged to dismiss employees early,” the governor wrote on X.

Flooding in New Jersey.
Flooding in New Jersey.

New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way announced the emergency order starting at 2pm Thursday local time covering all 21 counties.

“We are expecting severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts that may cause flash flooding. Residents should stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary,” Way said.

- This story originally appeared in The New York Post.

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Originally published as State of emergency declared in New York

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/technology/environment/state-of-emergency-declared-in-new-york/news-story/9514057b1e387630f00acd41fa868787