Janice R. Andrews
At least two people have died as a result of a powerful storm that devastated areas of the Northeast late on Sunday, especially in Connecticut, where a state of emergency has been proclaimed. Early on Monday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) declared a rare flash flood emergency, classifying the weather as a “particularly dangerous situation.”
Connecticut’s Tragic Flash Floods
One of the hardest-hit regions, southwest Connecticut, saw unheard-of levels of rainfall, with some locations collecting up to 10 inches in a matter of hours. As a result, there was catastrophic flooding, which trapped cars and forced evacuations. Meteorologists highlighted the storm’s rarity and intensity by referring to the flooding in Connecticut as a “one in a 200-year event”.
As water levels rose, at least 100 individuals were reportedly evacuated from their houses, according to local officials. NWS meteorologist David Stark reports that approximately 10 inches of rain fell over night in Monroe, Connecticut, which is unusual for the community.
Sadly, a single victim who had been carried away by floodwaters in Oxford, Connecticut, was discovered deceased. While searchers looked for survivors, another individual in New Haven County was reported missing. There were several successful rescues, including the touching tale of the good Samaritan who pulled a man and his dog out of a flooded automobile.
Prolonged Flooding in New Jersey and New York
The storm also had significant effects on portions of New York and New Jersey in addition to Connecticut. Early on Monday, the nearly a million-person Long Island county of Suffolk County was declared in danger of flash flooding. Additionally, numerous counties in and surrounding New York City, including Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, received flash flood warnings.
Flooding forced a temporary closure of the Long Island Expressway, a vital route between Long Island and New York City. Commuters were left stranded as train services between New York and Philadelphia were interrupted. Due to hazardous weather, both JFK and LaGuardia airports declared ground halt late on Sunday night.
Though not as severely damaged, New Jersey saw severe flooding on a number of its routes. There were no restrictions announced, but previous events in places like Passaic, where two people perished in flooding after Hurricane Ida in 2021, raised worries among the local populace.
Has nothing to do with Hurricane Ernesto
Hurricane Ernesto, which is presently moving up the East Coast after causing havoc in the Caribbean, has nothing to do with the storm or the flash floods that followed. Weather experts stressed that slow-moving thunderstorms that dropped a lot of rain in a short length of time were the main cause of the floods.
Emergencies involving flash floods: A Rare and Deadly Event
The NWS has issued a flash flood emergency, which is the highest degree of warning for flooding and should only be used in the most dire circumstances. Rarely does a warning of this kind indicate that property and lives are in immediate danger.
When thunderstorms continuously pass over the same region or stay still, they can cause a flash flood by rapidly accumulating water. Flash floods are particularly deadly since they occur six hours after a storm, in contrast to other forms of flooding. Because water levels may rise swiftly and sweep away automobiles and their passengers, vehicles are involved in about half of all flash flood fatalities.
The NWS uses the straightforward but crucial phrase, “Turn around, don’t drown,” to advise vehicles not to attempt to drive through flooded regions. Even cars designed for off-road driving can be readily overwhelmed by flash floods since a car can lose grip or sink in just a few inches of flowing water.
Regions Still in Danger
Flash flood advisories were still in place for several areas of the Northeast as of Monday morning. As it kept an eye on the situation in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, the NWS advised those living in low-lying regions to relocate to higher ground and to avoid making needless trips.
Additionally, forecasters have issued warnings about possible washouts and mudslides, especially in regions where the earth is already soaked from past rains. Rain is still falling in patches across the area, putting parts of Long Island and Connecticut at danger of more flash floods.
Actions to Take in Case of Flash Flood
With an average of 127 fatalities each year, flash floods are among the worst natural catastrophes in the United States. As seen by the recent storm, these situations may intensify swiftly and surprise individuals. It’s critical to understand what to do in the event of a flash flood warning.
- Go to Higher Ground: Quickly find higher ground if you are in a low-lying location or close to a river, stream, or drainage system. Having a strategy in place is essential since flash floods can happen suddenly.
- Avoid Driving: It is quite risky to drive during a flash flood. A car might be swept away by even shallow water. If the floodwaters are rising, get out of the car and go somewhere higher for safety.
- Avoid Entering Floodwaters: Traversing floodwaters poses an equal risk of danger. A person can be knocked off their feet by just six inches of rushing water.
- Evacuate if Instructed: Consistently adhere to evacuation directives issued by local authorities. The purpose of these directives is to save lives, and if you postpone leaving, the risk to you increases as the floodwaters rise.
- Be Educated : Pay attention to weather-related alerts and advisories issued by the NWS, particularly during storms. Emergency alarm systems and contemporary smartphone applications can provide you the most recent information on the potential of flash flooding in your region.
Final Thoughts
The area is still feeling the effects of the devastating flash floods that swept across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. It is crucial to follow advisories and take safety measures during severe weather events, while authorities continue to evaluate the damage and look for the missing. Residents in flood-prone regions need to be on the lookout for potential threats and be prepared for the worst, since climate change is making storms more frequent and violent.
