NEW YORK — At least 42 people were killed when the remnants of Hurricane Ida slammed into New York City and New Jersey overnight bringing record rain and flooding that left both areas in states of emergency on Thursday.
Videos shared to social media overnight showed water pouring into subway stations and cars floating in the streets. The storm brought rainfall records and prompted a flash flood emergency in New York.
“We’re enduring a historic weather event tonight with record-breaking rain across the city, brutal flooding, and dangerous conditions on our roads,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted.
Central Park saw more than 3 inches of rain in one hour, shattering the record from just a week ago, according to the National Weather Service. A tornado warning was issued for the Bronx and parts of Westchester on Wednesday night and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency.
“I am declaring a state of emergency to help New Yorkers affected by tonight’s storm,” Hochul said on Twitter.
The New York City Police Department reported eight deaths as of Thursday morning, including a toddler. A 50-year-old man, a 48-year-old woman, and a 2-year-old boy were found unresponsive and were later pronounced dead.
“Right in the middle of dinner I hear gurgling, and the water’s coming up out of the shower drain in our bathroom,” a New York resident told the BBC. “I went to check the main water line in the utility room, and by the time I walked back into the living room, there was nearly a foot of water. It was incredible how fast it came through.”
In New Jersey, 23 people were killed one tornado struck Mullica Hill and nine homes were destroyed. New Jersey Transit said rail service was suspended. NBC New York reported that one more person had died in New Jersey.
Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted the news, confirming the death toll.
“I am saddened to report that, as of right now, at least 23 New Jerseyans have lost their lives to this storm. The majority of these deaths were individuals who got caught in their vehicles by flooding and were overtaken by the water. Our prayers are with their family members,” Murphy said in the tweet.
Five flash flood emergencies were issued on Wednesday evening by the National Weather Service, stretching from New York all the way to Philadelphia.
