New York and New Jersey declare state of emergency amid devastating floods

On July 14, 2025, severe flash flooding struck New York City and parts of New Jersey following an intense period of heavy rainfall. The downpour led to significant disruptions in transport infrastructure, prompting the authorities to ground flights at major East Coast airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark International. The Federal Aviation Administration reported major delays at these airports, affecting travelers across the region. Additionally, subway services were severely impacted, with transit authorities reporting suspended and rerouted routes due to flooding in various locations throughout New York City. In response to this crisis, both New York City and New Jersey officials took immediate action. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, citing the extreme conditions and urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to the hazardous situation created by the rainfall. He emphasized the importance of safety and advised individuals in basement apartments and low-lying areas to prepare for more potential flooding. Simultaneously, city officials activated their emergency management protocols, including issuing alerts for residents to remain vigilant and take precautions. Compounding the flooding situation, a flash flood warning was issued for all five boroughs of New York City, with emergency management agencies warning that heavy rain could lead to dangerously swift flooding in minutes. Officials advised residents to have emergency supplies ready and to seek higher ground if necessary. As flooding was evident across the city, videos surfaced showing torrents of water entering subway stations and streets overwhelmed with rainwater. While the worst of the rainfall appeared to ease by July 16, the National Weather Service issued heat advisories for the following days, predicting dangerously high temperatures. Travel disruptions at East Coast airports continued in the aftermath of the flooding, although airlines began to resume schedules. Hence, while travel advice from the Foreign Office remained unchanged, many airlines made clear that cancellations would depend on specific conditions set by individual holiday providers, with no obligation for refunds unless official travel advisories were issued.