JUST IN: State Of Emergency Declared After Widespread Flooding In NYC

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency after heavy rain brought widespread flooding to New York City on Thursday.

The emergency declaration was authorized for the Big Apple after a stretch of highway in Queens was left underwater, stranding at least three cars and one semi truck. Water levels reached to the point where the smaller vehicles were almost completely submerged.

Members of the FDNY and the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit responded to the affected areas along the Clearview Expressway around 2:45 p.m. local time after receiving reports of occupants trapped inside the submerged vehicles, officials said. Those trapped inside the submerged cars were all able to get to safety, though it is unclear whether they were rescued or were able to escape on their own.

The Clearview was subsequently closed in both directions at Northern Boulevard, according to a report from the New York Post.

Widespread flooding was expected after heavy thunderstorms rolled into the New York City area on Thursday afternoon. In total, forecasters projected more than five inches of rain at a minimum.

Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for several New York counties not long after rainfall began. 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,” the governor 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.”

Officials have stated that the most damaging flooding has occurred in Queens, where the projected five inches of rain did fall. The city had emergency vehicles power generators, and other resources ahead of the storm, helping crews respond quickly, ABC 7 New York reported.

Flooding and downed trees in other parts of the city and wider region has led to a number of road closures and suspension of subway services. A number of flights have also been delayed at the LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports as well.

Officials are pleading with individuals to stay home until flash flood warnings in the tai-state area are expected to be lifted around 8 p.m. Eastern Time.