14 dead in New York region amid ‘historic’ flooding caused by Ida remnants

(The Guardian, 2 Sep 2021) Extreme weather prompts first ever flash flood emergency warning for New York City from National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued its first ever flash flood emergency warning for New York City, as the remnants of Hurricane Ida brought heavy rain that flooded subway lines and streets in Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey.

At least 14 people have been killed in the flooding in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as basement apartments suddenly filled with water.

A New York City police spokesperson said a total of eight people died when they became trapped in flooded basements. Five people were found dead in an apartment complex in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the city’s mayor and spokesperson told local media.

Another death was reported in in New Jersey in the city of Passaic. The city’s mayor, Hector Lora, said a 70-year-old man was swept away. “His family was rescued, they were all in the same car. Unfortunately, the car was overtaken by the waters, and the firefighters who were being dragged down under the vehicle were unable to get him out,” Lora told WCBS-TV.

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The Guardian, 2 Sep 2021: 14 dead in New York region amid ‘historic’ flooding caused by Ida remnants