A FLASH flood warning was issued for New York City and New Jersey on Thursday as Tropical Storm Elsa swept up the East Coast.
The National Weather Service warning came as residents began to share photos of intense flooding on major roads and in subway stations.
The flash flood warning includes “portions of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York” and is in effect until Friday morning, the NWS alert said.
Tropical Storm Elsa will be moving up the East Coast Thursday and into Friday morning and is expected to bring heavy wind and rain with it.
“Tropical storm conditions, isolated instances of flash and urban flooding, and isolated tornadoes can be expected along Elsa’s path through Friday,” the NWS warned.
Users on social media were already posting videos of heavy rain flooding FDR Drive and the Major Deegan Expressway by 6 pm in New York.
On Twitter, shocking videos showed intense flooding at NYC’s 157th St. subway station, with people waste deep in water trying to get onto the platform.
The NYPD warned that New Yorkers should also expect delays on all major roadways and to avoid driving if possible.
“Weather Advisory: Due to flooding, expect delays in all major crossings and road closures. Stay off the roads and use public transportation if possible,” police wrote.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy warned residents to take the tropical storm seriously.
“The worst of this thing looks like it’s gonna be in the middle of the night through tomorrow morning,” he said.
Elsa is expected to reach southeastern New Jersey on Thursday night before moving northeast towards Long Island, New York, late Friday morning, according to forecasts.
Murphy also warned that NJ is expecting a “significant amount of power outages,” and asked residents to prepare by charging devices.
Elsa began accelerating up the East Coast after making landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, late Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical storm warnings stretch up into New England from Thursday night into Friday morning.
