Severe storms trigger flash flooding, possible tornadoes across Tri-State | Live updates

Flooding reported on Route 17 southbound, north of Racetrack Road, in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

The two right lanes of three lanes are closed.

Severe weather could produce an accumulation of at least two inches of rain, flooding in low-lying areas and a high probability of dangerous flash floods.

Newark's Office of Emergency Management has activated storm operations and barricades are in place at:

• Meeker Avenue between Elizabeth Avenue and Empire Street

• McClellan Street between Frelinghuysen and Garibaldi Avenues

• Wilson Avenue between Avenue P and Margarita Street

• South Street between Van Buren and Adams Streets

• Frelinghuysen Avenue between East. Peddie Street and Empire Street

Phil Taitt reports from Queens.

In Woodside, neighbors said they have been clearing debris for days, as garbage bags line front lawns as they've throw out waterlogged belongings. Some say they fear another round of flooding after water slammed against homes and trapped one family in their basement.

FDNY crews responding over the weekend encountered waist-high water as they worked to reach a family of four who needed to be rescued. Officials said those inside the home were trapped behind a doorway because of the force of the water and debris. Firefighters split into teams to get through a blocked entrance while others searched for another way in, eventually forcing their way through a stairwell obstructed by construction to reach the family.

Flooding also covered major roadways, including the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Queens Boulevard. Some drivers climbed out of car windows as water rose around them, leaving vehicles stranded. First responders worked to bring people to safety.

In Flushing, residents along 153rd Street and Peck Avenue faced backed-up sewage drains and heavy downpours that left lower levels of homes severely damaged. Many said they are still trying to salvage what they can.

"A lot of water in the basement was totally full 100 percent full. We had to take all the water out manually. It was too full to use the pumps, everything was horrible. The street was 100% full," one neighbor said. "We spent million and insurance to fix the place and everything but we can't do nothing because the water was really really hard to control but we're still here."

Another resident said, "I'm very nervous we heard on the news this morning. I hope nothing happens this time because it's crazy."

"It was just flooded everything I heard all the houses were flooded to dirty. It was full. It was dirty," a neighbor said. Another added, "The floods to here. Five feet. Then the basement."

City officials said Tuesday they will be clearing storm drains and informing New Yorkers in low-lying areas about how to prepare and stay safe.

A Flood Advisory is in effect for Manhattan and the Bronx until 2 p.m. as heavy rain moves through the area.

The National Weather Service says 0.5 to 1 inch of rain could cause flooding on streets, highways, underpasses and other low-lying, poor-drainage areas.

Drivers and pedestrians are urged to avoid flooded roadways and never attempt to travel through standing water.