Fri Aug 01 07:21:30 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Heavy downpours along the US Northeast urban corridor, stretching from Washington D.C. to Boston, prompted New York and New Jersey to declare a state of emergency on July 31, 2025. Flash flood warnings were issued as the region braced for up to 5 inches of rain, potentially causing severe disruptions to air and rail travel. Hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed, and Amtrak service was temporarily suspended. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and off the roads due to the risk of flash flooding. The storm, attributed to a combination of unstable air and atmospheric moisture, threatened a region of 37 million people.
**News Article:**
**Northeast U.S. Grapples with Flash Floods; States of Emergency Declared**
**NEW YORK – August 1, 2025, 12:51 pm IST -** A powerful storm system unleashed torrential rains across the Northeastern United States on Thursday, July 31st, prompting the governors of New York and New Jersey to declare states of emergency. The deluge triggered flash flood warnings across a densely populated corridor stretching from the Washington-Baltimore region through Philadelphia and into the New York City metropolitan area.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents to “stay vigilant” as forecasts predicted up to five inches (12.7 cm) of rain, with rainfall rates potentially exceeding two inches per hour. New Jersey’s acting Governor Tahesha Way, filling in for Governor Phil Murphy who is on vacation, urged residents to remain off the roads and indoors, as localised downpours could produce up to seven inches of rain.
The storm significantly disrupted travel across the region. According to FlightAware, at least 1,170 flights were cancelled into, out of, or within the U.S. across the eight major airports serving the Northeast, including those in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Hundreds more flights were delayed.
Passenger rail travel also suffered, with Amtrak reporting a temporary suspension of service between Philadelphia and Wilmington due to flooding. While service was restored after about two hours, residual delays are expected.
The National Weather Service attributed the severe weather to a cold front bringing an unstable air mass and exceptional atmospheric moisture to the area. The Weather Prediction Centre estimated a 40% or higher risk of excessive showers capable of triggering flash floods for the region, home to an estimated 37 million people.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the region recovers from the storm. Residents are advised to stay informed and heed all warnings issued by local and national weather services.
First Piper 