Severe Storms Cause Flooding and Tornadoes Across Tri State Area

A series of severe summer storms battered the Northeast, spawning tornadoes and generating severe flash flooding that trapped motorists in flooded vehicles across New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.

In Dover, Delaware, a confirmed tornado tore off a motel roof and damaged commercial structures along Route 13. Meanwhile, another tornado hit Atlantic Beach on Long Island after initiating as a waterspout over the ocean, damaging waterfront structures.

Dover officials initiated cleanup operations following the storm, as local authorities reported that crews worked continuously to repair utilities and clear scattered structural debris throughout the municipality.

"There is still debris throughout the city, and crews will be out working on cleanup, repairs, and restoring services. You may encounter blocked lanes, utility crews, emergency personnel, and other delays," police said on social media.

The intense precipitation forced the closure of multiple primary arterial highways, including sections of the Long Island Expressway and Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in New York City. Two passenger vehicles became submerged near Queens' Clearview Expressway, prompting emergency extractions by FDNY firefighters.

Flash flooding inundated local streets in Newark, New Jersey, around Frelinghuysen Avenue and Meeker Avenue. Rescuers deployed inflatable rafts to retrieve three trapped motorists from rising floodwaters.

Simultaneously, local emergency crews in Jersey City deployed small watercraft to execute widespread water rescue operations as flash flooding engulfed residential roadways throughout the municipality.

"Emergency crews rescued 69 people trapped in cars that were overtaken by flash flooding," said Mayor James Solomon, City of Jersey City Mayor.

The quick-moving storm system deposited between one and two inches of rainfall across localized areas before moving off the coast. Regional meteorologists forecast clear, comfortable weather with lower humidity for the early part of the week, with elevated thunderstorm risks returning by Thursday.