Heavy rains have resulted in the inundation of various subway stations in New York City.
On July 14-15, 2025, New York City and surrounding areas were hit by severe flooding due to record-breaking rainfall, causing widespread disruptions and damage.
**Transportation Woes**
The flooding took a toll on the city's transportation system, with the New York City subway service facing suspensions and severe delays. Water entered subway platforms and even subway cars, such as at the 28th Street station where passengers were temporarily trapped as water bubbled on the platform. The flooding halted parts of the nation’s largest mass transit system shortly after the Monday evening rush hour.
Metro-North Railroad service into and out of Grand Central Terminal was delayed, with commuters advised to postpone travel between Manhattan and the Bronx. New Jersey Transit commuter rail lines also experienced service disruptions due to flooding and downed trees.
**Flight Cancellations and Delays**
While no specific flight cancellation information was detailed, the heavy flooding and state of emergency typically result in airport delays and cancellations in the region due to impacted transportation infrastructure and safety concerns.
**State of Emergency**
A state of emergency was declared in New Jersey by Governor Phil Murphy in response to the flooding that caused significant damage and multiple water rescues. Although no direct mention was made of New York State or City declaring a formal state of emergency, the New York City subway disruptions and widespread flooding indicate a significant emergency response was underway.
**Additional Impacts**
The floodwaters inundated roads and highways, notably in Westchester County, NY, Scotch Plains, NJ, and other suburbs, stranding vehicles and necessitating rescues by emergency crews using boats and other equipment. Two fatalities occurred when a car was swept away by floodwaters in Plainfield, New Jersey, underscoring the dangerous conditions.
Flash flood warnings were in effect in parts of the Tri-State area until late Monday night, with rainfall totals exceeding six inches in some locations.
**Climate Change Impact**
Climate scientists link this extreme rainfall event to human-amplified climate change, which increases the frequency and intensity of such flash flooding events, overwhelming infrastructure designed for less extreme conditions.
**Ongoing Rescues and Monitoring**
Authorities continued water rescues amid ongoing flash flood warnings, with the heavy rains reflecting broader climate trends impacting the Northeast. Video footage shows water gushing from a drain and flooding the platform at the "28th Street" station in Chelsea.
The state of New Jersey has been affected by the storm, with Governor Murphy urging residents to stay indoors unless necessary and to monitor emergency service updates. Other subway lines in New York are experiencing flooding issues and delays. Emergency services are being activated in the state of New Jersey.
[1] The New York Times, "Severe Flooding Strikes New York City and Surrounding Areas," July 15, 2025. [2] CNN, "Two Dead in New Jersey as Severe Storms Flood the Region," July 15, 2025. [3] ABC News, "New York and New Jersey Struggle with Severe Flooding," July 15, 2025. [4] The Washington Post, "Climate Change Linked to Severe Flooding in New York and New Jersey," July 16, 2025.
- The severe flooding that hit New York City on July 14-15, 2025, was a significant event in environmental science, highlighting the potential impacts of climate change on weather patterns.
- The political implications of the flooding were also evident, as a state of emergency was declared in New Jersey and Governor Phil Murphy urged residents to stay indoors.
- The flooding disrupted general news as well, with CNN, The New York Times, ABC News, and The Washington Post all covering the event extensively.
- The impact of the flooding on weather-forecasting systems and infrastructure was clear, as climate scientists linked the extreme rainfall to human-amplified climate change and flash flood warnings were issued.
