NEW YORK (WABC) -- Strong storms caused flash flooding across the Tri-State area and even sparked a tornado warning in New Jersey on Thursday.
In New York City, flash flooding briefly closed sections of major roadways across the city just as the evening rush hour approached, and LIRR suspended service on one of its busiest lines as flooding covered tracks.
Some drivers on the Clearview Expressway in Queens ended up standing on the roofs of their stranded vehicles and a tractor trailer nearly fully submerged. The waters eventually receded and traffic slowly resumed, but officials still pleaded with people to say home. Rain was expected to fall through the night.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for parts of New York and New Jersey until 8 p.m.
A Tornado Warning was issued for parts of New Jersey but was allowed to expire, but Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are in place.
Click here for the latest alerts, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service.
As the Tri-State area braces for another round of storms and a moderate risk of flash flooding on Thursday, the MTA is taking steps to keep the subways safe and dry.
A few weeks ago water poured into the No. 1 subway station at 28th Street during a flash flood warning.
With heavy rain expected on Thursday, the MTA is making some changes.
Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency effective at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, due to the potential for flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, intense rainfall, and damaging wind gusts.
Rainfall totals of 1-3 inches are generally expected, with localized amounts of 5-7 inches possible. 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.
