Over 60 million people: under flash flood threat from Ohio to Massachusetts and Virginia as of July 6, 2026.
Level 3 out of 4: flash flood risk for NYC and Long Island, with up to **3 inches of rain per hour** and a potential **8 inches total** in some areas.
Brooklyn and Queens: hit hardest — Neptune Avenue in Coney Island became a river, and parts of the Belt Parkway were shut down due to standing water.
700+ flights canceled: at NYC and New Jersey airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark) with ground stops issued by the FAA.
Widespread power outages: — at least 60,424 customers without power in New Jersey, 43,664 in New York, and over 100,000 in Michigan as of Monday morning.
At least 25 heat-related deaths: reported in New Jersey alone from the preceding heat wave, per state officials.
A BJ's Wholesale Club roof partially collapsed in Ocean Township, New Jersey, while 27 people were inside — no injuries reported.
Con Edison reduced voltage by 8%: in southeastern Queens and asked customers to conserve energy while crews repair equipment.
Why this matters: The rapid transition from extreme heat to violent flooding underscores how climate volatility is compounding risks for densely populated urban areas. Infrastructure built for more predictable weather patterns is being tested, and residents — especially those in basement apartments or flood-prone zones — face life-threatening conditions.
The storms sweeping the Northeast are the result of a stalled weather front colliding with lingering heat and humidity from the holiday weekend heat wave. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for Brooklyn and Queens on Monday, where 1–2 inches of rain had already fallen by morning. A flood watch remained in effect for the entire NYC metropolitan area through early Tuesday.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stating in an online video: *"We ask New Yorkers in this time to stay safe, stay prepared, and to keep an eye out for one another."* City workers cleared catch basins over the weekend and prepared historically flood-prone neighborhoods. The mayor specifically advised residents of basement apartments to plan to evacuate if water begins rising.
In Brooklyn, Neptune Avenue in Coney Island was submerged under several feet of water, and East 28th Street in Sheepshead Bay saw serious flooding. A portion of the Belt Parkway was temporarily closed due to standing water. In Queens, dozens of trees came down across the borough, and Con Edison reduced voltage by 8% in southeastern Queens while crews worked to repair damaged equipment.
In Westchester County, crews worked through the downpours to clear downed trees and restore power. A busted utility pole on Greenwich Road in Bedford resulted in a power outage and road closure. In Yorktown, utility crews from Syracuse were called in to restore power along Elizabeth Road.
Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents: *"There is no time to prepare for it, it is something that comes up unexpectedly and it can be very, very dangerous."*
The storms followed a multi-day heat wave that saw triple-digit temperatures across the East Coast. New Jersey reported at least 25 suspected heat-related deaths, with Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington noting that many victims were found in homes without air conditioning. The heat wave knocked out power to nearly 300,000 utility customers in New Jersey alone over the weekend, with wind gusts up to 80 mph toppling trees and power lines.
All major airports in the NYC region — JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty — experienced delays exceeding one hour. The FAA issued ground stops throughout the day. Flights out of Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia International Airport were also delayed. By 2:30 p.m. ET Monday, more than 700 flights had been canceled.
This event echoes the catastrophic flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021, which killed at least 13 people in NYC, many in basement apartments. The current storm, while less severe in intensity, raises similar concerns about urban flooding preparedness and the vulnerability of basement-dwelling residents.
What areas are under the flash flood warning?
Flash flood warnings were issued for Brooklyn, Queens, and the Philadelphia area (over 2.5 million people). A flood watch covers the entire NYC metropolitan area through Tuesday morning.
How much rain has fallen and how much more is expected?
Some areas have already received 1–2 inches. Up to 3 inches per hour is possible, with some locations potentially receiving up to 8 inches total by the time the storm system passes.
Are flights still operating out of NYC airports?
Yes, but with significant delays. Over 700 flights were canceled as of Monday afternoon. All major NYC-area airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark) experienced ground stops and delays. Travelers should check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
What should residents in basement apartments do?
Mayor Mamdani advised basement apartment residents to prepare to evacuate. If you see water rising around you, move to higher ground immediately.
How many people are without power?
On Monday morning, over 60,000 customers in New Jersey, 43,664 in New York, over 95,000 in Pennsylvania, and at least 100,000 in Michigan remained without power. Con Edison customers in southeastern Queens are asked to conserve energy.
What caused the BJ's Wholesale Club roof collapse?
Severe weather is believed to have caused the partial roof collapse in Ocean Township, New Jersey. Two people were briefly entrapped but freed themselves. No injuries were reported.
Stay informed:: Monitor local weather alerts and heed flash flood warnings. The flood watch remains in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Prepare for power outages:: Charge devices, have flashlights and batteries ready, and keep refrigerators closed to preserve food.
Avoid flooded areas:: Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 12 inches can sweep away a car.
Check on neighbors:: Elderly residents and those without air conditioning or working sump pumps may need assistance. As Mayor Mamdani said, *"Keep an eye out for one another."*
Travel cautiously:: If flying out of the region, check your flight status before leaving home. Allow extra time for ground transit.
Basement apartment dwellers:: Have an evacuation plan ready. Know your route to higher ground and keep an emergency bag packed.
Who this affects most:: Residents of flood-prone areas (particularly Brooklyn, Queens, and coastal zones), those living in basement apartments, commuters relying on public transit or roadways, and anyone with travel plans through Northeast airports.
Have you been affected by the storms and flooding in the Northeast? Share your experience or safety tips in the comments below.
Do you think cities like New York are doing enough to prepare for the increasing frequency of extreme weather events? Let us know what you think!
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