Ida sparks tornadoes in New Jersey, triggers first-ever flash flood emergency in New York



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Multiple tornadoes struck the northeast on Wednesday as the remnants of Hurricane Ida swept across the United States, claiming at least one life in Maryland and causing flash floods that led to states of emergency in the United States. New Jersey and New York.

The Maryland storm victim has been identified in local media as a 19-year-old who died after returning to a flooded apartment looking for his mother in Rockville. Two other people are missing after an alleged tornado near Chesapeake Bay, according to the Associated Press.

In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency over “a historic weather event” that bombarded the city “with record rains” and “brutal flooding”.

The National Weather Service has issued its first-ever flash flood emergency alert for New York City, warning more than 9 million residents of imminent danger, the agency tweets said.

According to NBC New YorkThe ensuing precipitation broke the record for the highest hour of precipitation on Central Park, with 3.15 inches. The previous record, 1.94 inches, was set a few days before Hurricane Henri.

Videos showed several subway stations flooded and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority suspended train service on all lines across the city.

The MTA posted a warning on its website: “Rail service may be extremely limited this evening due to heavy rains and flooding in the area. We strongly recommend that you avoid traveling at this time, if you can.

The NWS warned of a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” in a neighborhood in Gloucester City, New Jersey, and advised, “This is a particularly dangerous situation. Take shelter now! The Bronx was also under tornado warning. Parts of Pennsylvania were also subject to tornado warnings amid heavy rains, prompting evacuations.

Videos have shown car bombs on flooded freeways in several parts of New York City and New Jersey, and Harrison Township firefighters have reported several victims trapped in their homes, according to NJ.com.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency.

“We will use all resources at our disposal to keep New Jerseyans safe. Stay off the roads, stay home and stay safe, ”Murphy wrote.

Newark Liberty International Airport suspended flights and temporarily evacuated its air traffic control tower on Wednesday evening after “suffering severe flooding” and being subjected to a tornado warning.

Passengers are diverted from flooded areas at ground level, ”the airport said in a statement.

The US Open tennis tournament suspended all play for the evening in response to the rain.

Ida struck Louisiana with extreme force earlier in the week, severing power from more than a million people and killing at least four.



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