Terrifying footage show vehicles trapped across NYC as flash floods spark MTA alert for subways

QUEENS, NEW YORK CITY: Torrential downpours sparked sudden flash flooding in parts of New York City on Thursday, July 31, leaving cars submerged, subways disrupted, and residents scrambling for safety, especially in flood-prone boroughs like Queens.

The situation became dire enough for Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency, with NYC Mayor Eric Adams urging residents to avoid travel and move to higher ground, especially those in vulnerable basement apartments.

Shocking highway footage shows vehicles underwater as Clearview Expressway shuts down

On Clearview Expressway near Northern Boulevard, video footage posted to social media showed multiple vehicles trapped under several feet of water. A traffic camera still captured at least two passenger cars and a delivery truck nearly submerged, prompting the New York Police Department to shut down both directions of the highway.

What began as a steady rainfall rapidly escalated into a localized flash flood event, overwhelming drainage systems and washing out key routes. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of 1 to 3 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 5 inches and some rainfall rates reaching two inches per hour.

“I’ve issued a state of emergency. The Travel Advisory and Flood Watch are in effect until 8 AM. Stay where you are if you can. Don’t drive,” Mayor Adams posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Roadways are flooding, and crews are responding.”

“If you live in a basement apartment, and haven’t yet moved to higher ground, move now,” he added.

The extreme weather forced many commuters to abandon vehicles or turn around altogether. In several viral clips, motorists could be seen wading through knee-deep water, while others simply waited on their car roofs for help.

MTA braces for widespread disruptions across transit system

As surface roads flooded, so too did parts of the city’s aging subway infrastructure. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) issued an urgent alert warning of delays, route suspensions, and hazardous travel conditions.

“A flood watch is in effect for New York City today,” the message posted on MTA's website read. “Please give yourself extra time and use caution when traveling. Plan your trip and view service changes in the MTA or TrainTime apps.”

The MTA and TrainTime apps have been updated with real-time service alerts, though delays were already being reported on major lines serving Brooklyn and Queens by late afternoon.

Subway riders shared images of water cascading down stairwells and pooling on train platforms, evoking memories of previous flood events that have increasingly plagued the city’s underfunded transit system in recent years.

Officials urge evacuation from flood-prone homes

Governor Hochul issued a statement underscoring the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the threat to those in low-lying or basement residences.

“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding,” Hochul said. “State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.”

Officials reminded residents that basement apartments, often found in Queens and the Bronx, are especially vulnerable during flash floods.