Heavy rain and thunderstorms continued across the New York City region late Monday, threatening the evening commute with localized flooding and transit disruptions after a stormy Fourth of July weekend.
The National Weather Service said multiple rounds of heavy rain are expected through Monday night, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour and widespread storm totals of 2 to 3 inches. Some locations could receive 4 inches or more, increasing the risk of flash flooding, officials said. A Flood Watch remains in effect through the night, meteorologists said.
The weather service warned that scattered flash flooding could inundate roads, low-lying neighborhoods, basements and underground infrastructure. The exact placement of the heaviest rainfall remains uncertain.
The latest round of storms came after damage from the holiday weekend. NJ Transit continued to suspend or limit service on several rail lines while crews repair storm damage. Gladstone Branch service remained suspended through the end of the day. Morris and Essex Line trains operated limited service between Summit and New York Penn Station and Raritan Valley Line service remained suspended between High Bridge and Annandale.
The agency said more than 50 trees fell onto tracks and overhead wires during the recent storms and that it expects to provide an update on Tuesday's rail service later Monday.
NJ Transit rail tickets and passes were being cross-honored on NJ Transit and private carrier buses, as well as PATH trains at Hoboken Terminal, Newark Penn Station and 33rd Street.
Earlier Monday, flooding temporarily closed part of the Belt Parkway near Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn. By the evening commute, delays remained in the area.
Con Edison also asked about 163,000 customers in southeastern Queens to conserve electricity while crews repair equipment. The utility reduced voltage by 8% in parts of Jamaica, Hollis, Queens Village, Springfield Gardens, St. Albans and Laurelton and urged customers to limit air conditioning use, avoid running energy-intensive appliances and postpone charging electric vehicles if possible.
Elsewhere in New Jersey, a portion of the roof at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township reportedly collapsed Monday morning amid the heavy rain. ABC7 New York reported that 27 people were inside the building at the time. Two people were briefly trapped before getting out safely and no injuries were reported.
City officials urged New Yorkers to limit travel during periods of heavy rain and to leave basement apartments immediately if water begins to rise. Safe overnight locations are available in every borough by calling 311.
Gov. Kathy Hochul warned that New York City and Long Island remained at particular risk for flash flooding through Tuesday and said state swift-water rescue teams have been deployed to Long Island.
Forecasters said the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding will continue into Monday night and urged drivers to avoid flooded roadways.
This story has been updated with new information.
