Viral videos show submerged cars as New Jersey declares state of emergency after flash floods

PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY: Torrential rain and severe thunderstorms unleashed widespread flash flooding across several parts of New Jersey on Monday, July 14, with particularly alarming scenes emerging from Plainfield and Scotch Plains.

Dramatic videos shared on social media showed submerged streets, stranded vehicles, and swamped neighborhoods, offering a stark visual account of the weather’s immediate impact.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for large swaths of the Garden State. The storm not only disrupted daily life but also crippled transportation systems and left thousands without power.

Viral videos show streets underwater as flash floods grip New Jersey

Shocking scenes from Plainfield and neighboring Scotch Plains showed streets transformed into temporary rivers.

Videos recorded by residents captured vehicles stuck in the deluge, with some drivers seen wading through knee-deep water. Route 22, a critical artery in the area, was also severely affected, with portions of the highway completely submerged, forcing closures and emergency diversions.

One clip from the New Providence area, shared from inside a commuter bus, showed passengers watching floodwaters rise perilously close to the door.

Other footage from the NJ Turnpike toll road showed entire lanes underwater, halting traffic and highlighting the storm’s intensity.

The flash flooding prompted the National Weather Service to issue urgent warnings, as localized rainfall totals quickly overwhelmed drainage systems across Union County.

New Jersey declares state of emergency as flash floods shut down roads, rail, and flights

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency as floodwaters disrupted daily life and infrastructure across the state. The declaration followed flash flood warnings and watches issued Monday, July 14, particularly in the northeastern counties.

NJ Transit rail service faced delays of up to 40 minutes between Penn Station New York and Trenton due to Amtrak signal issues caused by the severe weather. Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest in the region, experienced major disruptions, including a ground stop that delayed flights by up to three hours.

Numerous highways and local roads, including I-78 and Route 22, were forced to shut down as floodwaters rendered them impassable. Emergency services were deployed across impacted areas, assisting stranded motorists and working to restore access where possible.

Power outages, flooding, and more rain keep New Jersey under weather alert 

By Monday evening, July 14, nearly 8,000 residents had reported power outages, many caused by fallen trees and damage to electrical infrastructure.

Utility crews were dispatched across Union County and beyond, racing to restore service amid continued rainfall and poor visibility 

As of the nigh of July 14, a flood watch remained in effect across affected zones, with officials urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay alert to rapidly changing conditions.

Authorities advised the public to monitor weather updates and report any emergencies, with public safety remaining a top concern amid forecasts of continued weather instability in the region.