At least 18 people are feared dead after Storm Ida dumped record levels of rain in parts of New York, New Jersey, and across the northeast US, causing widespread flooding.
According to USAtoday, At least nine people in New York City died in the storm. In New Jersey, four people were found dead in an apartment complex after more than six inches of rain drenched Elizabeth, city officials said. Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said one person died in a submerged car. Passaic officials also said they fear a woman and her child were swept away by the flooding.
In Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County, a woman died when a tree fell on her home and two other people drowned, Valerie Arkoosh, chairperson county Board of Commissioners said. Also in Maryland, one person reportedly died after heavy rains flooded an apartment complex in Rockville.
Flooding was also reported in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. More than 230,000 homes and businesses in the region were without power Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio has declared a state of emergency in New York City. He declared the emergency via Twitter.
The mayor, however, urged residents to stay off the roads.
“We’re enduring a historic weather event tonight with record-breaking rain across the city, brutal flooding and dangerous conditions on our roads.
“Please stay off the streets tonight and let our first responders and emergency services get their work done.
“If you’re thinking of going outside, don’t. Stay off the subways. Stay off the roads. Don’t drive into these heavy waters,” de Blasio stated.
The National Weather Service’s New York City Twitter account also said: “This emergency was issued due to the ongoing life-threatening flash flooding. The heaviest rain has pushed east of the Flash Flood Emergency area, with more moderate rainfall the next few hours.”
While there was widespread disruption on railways, flights in and out of Newark airport have been cancelled.