Jul 31, 2025, 8:44 PM GMT
Flooding, rescues reported on Clearview Expressway
There was a full closure on the Clearview Expressway at Northern Boulevard due to flooding.
Several cars could be seen stranded or abandoned in the flood waters.
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Heavy rain pummels New York City, Tri-State | Live updates
ByEyewitness News 
Last updated: Friday, August 1, 2025 3:05PM GMT
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Strong storms caused flash flooding across the Tri-State area and even sparked a tornado warning in New Jersey on Thursday.
In New York City, flash flooding briefly closed sections of major roadways across the city just as the evening rush hour approached, and LIRR suspended service on one of its busiest lines as flooding covered tracks.
Some drivers on the Clearview Expressway in Queens ended up standing on the roofs of their stranded vehicles and a tractor trailer nearly fully submerged. The waters eventually receded and traffic slowly resumed, but officials still pleaded with people to say home. Rain was expected to fall through the night.
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Here's how the news is developing.
Jul 31, 2025, 6:17 PM
Watches, warnings issued for storms
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for parts of New York and New Jersey until 8 p.m.
A Tornado Warning was issued for parts of New Jersey but was allowed to expire, but Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are in place.
Click here for the latest alerts, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service.
Jul 31, 2025, 10:00 PM GMT
Hochul declares State of Emergency for several New York counties
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for several New York counties for heavy rain and potential flooding.
The State of Emergency includes the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties.
"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," Governor 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 in the path of the storm."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says on Eyewitness News the worst weather was in Queens, where storms dumped five inches of rain. Several vehicles became submerged in floodwaters, causing swift water rescue teams to respond. The state had already pre-positioned emergency vehicles, power generators, and other resources ahead of the storm, helping crews respond quickly. A state of emergency was declared in 14 counties, and the state's operations center was fully activated.
The Thursday evening commute will be impacted with areas of flash flooding possible and minor to moderate water level rises could occur on some waterways. Some roads may become impassable from flooding, most likely around underpasses and roads with little or no drainage. The heaviest rainfall rates may be capable of producing subway flooding and overwhelming NYC sewers. Flooding in basements and subterrain floors is also possible.
Jul 31, 2025, 6:35 PM GMT
Ground stops issued at local airports
As of 2:30 p.m., there is a ground stop at Newark until 4 p.m. and at LaGuardia until 3:45 p.m. due to thunderstorms.
JFK is dealing with average delays of 192 minutes due to thunderstorms.
Jul 31, 2025, 6:17 PM GMT
Watches, warnings issued for storms
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for parts of New York and New Jersey until 8 p.m.
A Tornado Warning was issued for parts of New Jersey but was allowed to expire, but Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are in place.
Click here for the latest alerts, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service.
