New Jersey and New York have declared a State of Emergency ahead of severe thunderstorms expected to unleash life-threatening flash flooding across the state.
Meteorologists warned that up to seven inches of rain could fall through the evening, prompting flash flood watches statewide until Friday morning.
Acting Governor Tahesha Way said: ‘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.
‘I urge all New Jerseyans to remain alert, follow all safety protocols, and monitor the proper channels for the duration of these storms.
‘Residents should remain off the roads and indoors unless absolutely necessary.’
Governor Hochul announced a state of emergency for multiple New York counties around 3:00pm ET, telling residents to ‘stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding.’
The state of emergency covers the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester, and contiguous counties.
Flood watches are in effect for New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon.
This is a developing story… More updates to come
New Jersey and New York have declared a State of Emergency ahead of severe thunderstorms expected to unleash life-threatening flash flooding across the state
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned there is up to a 70 percent chance of flash flooding in the East Coast states.
A slow-moving front and surge of moisture from the Gulf is bringing the heavy rainfall to the Northeast.
AccuWeather warned that flooding is expected from New York City and Philadelphia to Baltimore and Washington, DC.
However, only New Jersey and New York have declared a State of Emergency.
New Jersey, home to more than nine million residents, is bracing for flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, intense rainfall and damaging wind gusts.
The NWS said rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are generally expected, with localized amounts of 5 to 7 inches possible.
Acting Governor Tahesha Way said: ‘These extreme weather conditions can result in landslides, rock slides, and flooded roadways.
‘Executive Order No. 394 declares a State of Emergency across all 21 counties, closing state offices early and allowing for resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.’
Governor Hochul announced a state of emergency for multiple New York counties around 3:00pm ET, telling residents to ‘stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding’
The NWS’s New York office, covering Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties, warned of an ‘elevated threat to life and property, particularly Thursday afternoon and Thursday night.’
Meanwhile, the Mount Holly office, which oversees the state’s remaining 16 counties, said ‘potentially significant flash flooding is possible this afternoon into tonight.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .