New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced that he is declaring a state of emergency effective at 15:00 local time.
“We are experiencing heavy rainfall that is expected to accelerate in many parts of the state over the next several hours. Residents should stay off the roads, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”
In Hoboken, New Jersey to the west of Manhattan, residents have been urged to stay at home if possible. The city’s Mayor Ravi Bhalla declared a state of emergency on Friday as the southern part of the city was inundated with flooding.
Hoboken businesses have put up walls of sandbags in an effort to keep flooding out of stores.
Because of its low lying topography the city has been known to flood whenever there is extreme rain. The southwestern part of Hoboken is less than 1m above sea-level.
A flood watch is in effect for 23 million people across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut until 06:00 local time on Saturday.
More than three inches of rain has been recorded and another three to seven inches are expected today.
“This is a dangerous weather condition and it is not over,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Friday morning, as New Yorkers struggle to commute amid roads and subway closures.
BBC
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